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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

San Bernardino is 13% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,433/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 34%
$63,988/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 46%
$384,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 3%
$1,478/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 7%
221,774
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $29,383/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Surprise — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Surprise?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Surprise?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $29,383/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Surprise

San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite