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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Palmdale

California
130

San Bernardino is 16% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,433/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 21%
$63,988/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 27%
$384,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 13%
$1,478/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 24%
221,774
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $17,163/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Palmdale — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Palmdale?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Palmdale?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $17,163/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Palmdale details →

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