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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

San Bernardino is 4% more expensive than Salem.

$1,433/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 8%
$63,988/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 12%
$384,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$382,400 ≈ Same
$1,478/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 3%
221,774
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $7,912/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Salem — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Salem?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Salem?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $7,912/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Salem details →

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