San Bernardino, CA vs Tempe, AZ: 109 vs 120

$1,433/mo ↓ 12%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↑ 13%

$63,988/yr ↓ 18%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↑ 21%

$384,900 ↓ 9%

Home Value

$421,900 ↑ 10%

$1,478/mo ↓ 5%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↑ 5%

221,774

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $13,655/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Tempe — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 120 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Tempe?

Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $190/month.

Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Tempe?

Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $13,655/year higher in Tempe.

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 Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

San Bernardino

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons