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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Modesto

California
120

San Bernardino is 9% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,433/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 12%
$63,988/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 22%
$384,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 8%
$1,478/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 9%
221,774
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $13,911/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Modesto — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Modesto?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Modesto?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $13,911/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Modesto details →

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