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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Seattle is 80% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,998/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 28%
$121,984/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 48%
$912,100 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 58%
$2,220/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 33%
741,440
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $57,996/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $57,996/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and San Bernardino

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville 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