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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

San Bernardino is 22% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,433/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 2%
$63,988/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 12%
$384,900 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 41%
$1,478/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 6%
221,774
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,855/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Mesquite — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Mesquite?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Mesquite?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $7,855/year higher in Mesquite.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Mesquite

San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford