Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

San Bernardino is 64% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,433/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 108%
$63,988/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 171%
$384,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 297%
$1,478/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 106%
221,774
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,552/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $18,624/year.

Median household income is $109,682/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Santa Clara?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,552/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $109,682/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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