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

San Jose

California
254
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

San Jose is 133% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$2,617/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 45%
$141,565/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 55%
$1,187,800 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 68%
$2,775/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 47%
990,054
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,184/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $14,208/year.

Median household income is $77,577/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is San Jose or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and San Bernardino?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $1,184/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $77,577/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and San Bernardino

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley