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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

San Bernardino is 26% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,433/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 29%
$63,988/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 136%
$384,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 32%
$1,478/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 46%
221,774
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $86,949/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Naperville — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Naperville?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Naperville?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $86,949/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Naperville

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