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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Ontario

California
152

San Bernardino is 28% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,433/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 34%
$63,988/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 29%
$384,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 48%
$1,478/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 33%
221,774
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $18,818/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Ontario — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Ontario?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Ontario?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $18,818/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Ontario

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 Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa