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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Santa Ana is 50% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,975/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 27%
$88,354/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 28%
$657,800 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 41%
$1,965/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 25%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $24,366/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $24,366/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View San Bernardino details →

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