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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Santa Clarita is 81% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$2,486/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 42%
$119,926/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 47%
$721,000 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 47%
$2,649/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 44%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,053/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $12,636/year.

Median household income is $55,938/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $1,053/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $55,938/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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