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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

San Bernardino is 10% more expensive than Providence.

$1,433/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 7%
$63,988/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 4%
$384,900 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 16%
$1,478/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ≈ Same
221,774
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $2,784/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Providence — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Providence?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Providence?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $2,784/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Providence details →

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