Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

San Bernardino is 42% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,433/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 26%
$63,988/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 4%
$384,900 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 35%
$1,478/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
221,774
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $2,534/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Lafayette — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Lafayette?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Lafayette?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $2,534/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Lafayette details →

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