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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

San Bernardino is 17% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,433/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 11%
$63,988/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 31%
$384,900 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 18%
$1,478/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 18%
221,774
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $19,869/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Tacoma — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Tacoma?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $19,869/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Tacoma details →