Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

San Bernardino is 23% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,433/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 22%
$63,988/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 34%
$384,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 42%
$1,478/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 17%
221,774
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $21,801/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Lakewood — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Lakewood?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Lakewood?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $21,801/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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