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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Waco

Texas
72

San Bernardino is 51% more expensive than Waco.

$1,433/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 23%
$63,988/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 20%
$384,900 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 48%
$1,478/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 26%
221,774
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $12,520/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Waco — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Waco?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Waco?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $12,520/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Waco

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