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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

San Bernardino is 37% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,433/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 45%
$63,988/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 52%
$384,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 78%
$1,478/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 44%
221,774
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $33,422/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $33,422/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Santa Rosa details →

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