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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

San Bernardino is 49% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,433/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 30%
$63,988/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 24%
$384,900 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 39%
$1,478/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 30%
221,774
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $15,452/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $15,452/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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