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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

San Bernardino is 11% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,433/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 14%
$63,988/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 22%
$384,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 14%
$1,478/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
221,774
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $14,168/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Vancouver — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Vancouver?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Vancouver?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $14,168/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Vancouver details →

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