Median rent is 36% lower in San Bernardino ($1,508/mo vs $2,352/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Bernardino, where the median home runs $422,300 versus $755,200. Households earn more in Folsom ($139,804 vs $67,415 a year). Taken together, San Bernardino is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 107.3 against 109.1 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Folsom, CA.
Quick verdict
San Bernardino is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 107.3 in San Bernardino vs 109.1 in Folsom (US average = 100)
City A
Folsom, CA
City B
San Bernardino, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Bernardino, CA to maintain your standard of living from Folsom, CA?
Equivalent salary in San Bernardino, CA
$73,797
You could earn $1,203 less (2% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Folsom
California
San Bernardino
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in San Bernardino — median rent of $1,508/mo versus $2,352/mo in Folsom, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Folsom: the median home is $755,200 versus $422,300 in San Bernardino — 44% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Folsom
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Bernardino
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for San Bernardino (avg AQI 57.0) but not yet for Folsom.
Pick Folsom if you prioritize higher median household income ($139,804/yr).
Pick San Bernardino if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,508/mo median).
Is Folsom cheaper than San Bernardino?
San Bernardino is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 107.3 versus 109.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in San Bernardino.
How much is rent in Folsom vs San Bernardino?
Median rent is $2,352/mo in Folsom, CA and $1,508/mo in San Bernardino, CA. San Bernardino, CA has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Folsom or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $139,804 in Folsom, CA and $67,415 in San Bernardino, CA. Folsom, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Folsom or San Bernardino?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Bernardino to match my Folsom income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Folsom, CA is equivalent to roughly $98,396 in San Bernardino, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
