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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

San Bernardino is 40% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,433/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 60%
$63,988/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 71%
$384,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 80%
$1,478/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 57%
221,774
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $853/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $10,236/year.

Median household income is $45,523/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $853/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $45,523/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga

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 Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove