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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

San Bernardino is 68% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,433/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 114%
$63,988/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 184%
$384,900 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 372%
$1,478/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 104%
221,774
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,632/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $19,584/year.

Median household income is $117,874/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,632/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $117,874/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Sunnyvale details →

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