Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Kent, WA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Kent

Washington
145

San Bernardino is 25% cheaper than Kent.

$1,433/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 28%
$63,988/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 41%
$384,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 40%
$1,478/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 30%
221,774
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $26,428/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Kent — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Kent?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Kent?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $26,428/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Kent details →

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