San Bernardino, CA, US
Inland Empire city with Route 66 history, mountains, and more affordable than coastal CA.
Overview
San Bernardino is a city in CA with a population of 222,101. Inland Empire city with Route 66 history, mountains, and more affordable than coastal CA. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 31.9.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
San Bernardino vs US Average
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
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).
| Category | San Bernardino | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5% |
| Housing | 102.4 | 100 | +2.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in San Bernardino:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $230 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $32 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $81 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $85 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $528 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
San Bernardino scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
San Bernardino has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" |
| April | 81°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| July | 96°F | 71°F | 1.5" |
| October | 76°F | 60°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
San Bernardino faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent and severe wildfire seasons.
Located on the San Andreas Fault system with frequent seismic activity.
Extreme summer heat in inland and desert regions.
Frequent and severe drought conditions.
Coastal and mountainous regions with frequent landslides.
Sierra Nevada with frequent avalanches.
Flash floods and river flooding.
Dust storms in desert regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
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%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in San Bernardino per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of San Bernardino is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
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 96°F, while winter lows can drop to around 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
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.