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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Lancaster

California
124

San Bernardino is 12% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,433/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 18%
$63,988/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 19%
$384,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 6%
$1,478/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 18%
221,774
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $12,095/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Lancaster — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Lancaster?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Lancaster?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $12,095/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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