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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Provo

Utah
102

San Bernardino is 7% more expensive than Provo.

$1,433/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 20%
$63,988/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 2%
$384,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 14%
$1,478/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 17%
221,774
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $1,188/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Provo — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Provo?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Provo?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $1,188/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Provo details →

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