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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Washington is 57% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,900/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 25%
$106,287/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 40%
$724,600 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 47%
$2,103/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 30%
672,079
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $42,299/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $42,299/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and San Bernardino

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland 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