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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

San Bernardino is 20% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,433/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 29%
$63,988/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 32%
$384,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 24%
$1,478/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 21%
221,774
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $20,629/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Santa Maria?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,629/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Santa Maria details →

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