San Bernardino, California has an overall cost of living index of 106.7, which is 6.7 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,433 per month, while the typical home is valued around $384,900. Households earn a median of $63,988 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 55. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$63,988
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,433
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$384,900
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
106.7
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,692
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,777
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,201
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,912
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
106.7
Goods
102.5
Rents / Housing
129.2
Services
155.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $134,400 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $129,310 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $97,240 |
| ⚡Electrician | $76,350 |
| 📊Accountant | $87,340 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
221,774
Latest estimate
Median Age
31.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
55.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for San Bernardino?
San Bernardino has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 106.7. The US national average is 100, so San Bernardino is 6.7 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in San Bernardino?
The median gross rent in San Bernardino is $1,433 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in San Bernardino?
The median household income in San Bernardino is $63,988 per year.
What is the median home value in San Bernardino?
The median home value in San Bernardino is $384,900 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 55.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in San Bernardino?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology