Skyline of San Bernardino
Cost of Living: 108.5 222,101

San Bernardino, CA, US

Inland Empire city with Route 66 history, mountains, and more affordable than coastal CA.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 108.5

Above Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 102.4

Above Average

Median Income $48,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.8%

Job market health

San Bernardino vs US Average

Cost of Living
San Bernardino: 108.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
San Bernardino: 102.4
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
San Bernardino: 9.3%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.3%
  • Sales Tax: 7.8%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $48,000
  • Unemployment: 5.8%
  • Population: 222,101

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 96°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $420,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1450/mo

Cost of Living

San Bernardino's cost of living index is 108.5 (US average = 100).

CategorySan BernardinoNational AverageDifference
Overall108.5100+8.5%
Housing102.4100+2.4%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$420,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1450/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,813/mo
Price per Sq Ft$280

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in San Bernardino:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$230Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$201Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$85Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$65Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$35Private service
Total Utilities$616Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown San Bernardino

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,740/mo.

San Bernardino Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,595/mo.

East San Bernardino

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,305/mo.

West San Bernardino

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,378/mo.

Remote Work Score

San Bernardino scores 115/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 280 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

San Bernardino has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April81°F57°F2.8"
July96°F71°F1.5"
October76°F60°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.3%
  • Sales Tax: 7.75%
  • Property Tax: ~0.95% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.8%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in San Bernardino, CA, US?

The cost of living index in San Bernardino is 108.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in San Bernardino?

The median home price in San Bernardino is $420,000. The housing index is 102.4.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Bernardino is approximately $1450/mo.

Does San Bernardino, CA have income tax?

San Bernardino is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 9.3%.

What is the climate like in San Bernardino?

San Bernardino enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,96°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.42°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.