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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Ventura

California
183

San Bernardino is 40% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,433/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 47%
$63,988/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 57%
$384,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 102%
$1,478/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 43%
221,774
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $36,419/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Ventura — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Ventura?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Ventura?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $36,419/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Ventura details →

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