Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

San Bernardino is 7% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,433/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 6%
$63,988/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 17%
$384,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 29%
$1,478/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 6%
221,774
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $10,937/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $10,937/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Salt Lake City details →

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