Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

San Bernardino is 38% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,433/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 22%
$63,988/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 20%
$384,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 42%
$1,478/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 14%
221,774
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $12,649/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Springfield — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Springfield?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Springfield?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,649/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Springfield details →

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