Median rent is 24% lower in San Bernardino ($1,433/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Bernardino, where the median home runs $384,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $63,988 a year). Taken together, San Bernardino is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 106.7 against 113.3 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
San Bernardino is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 106.7 in San Bernardino vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
San Bernardino, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Bernardino, CA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in San Bernardino, CA
$70,625
You could earn $4,375 less (6% 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
Los Angeles
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 $1,433/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $384,900 in San Bernardino — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so San Bernardino is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; San Bernardino has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
San Bernardino
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
San Bernardino has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick San Bernardino if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 106.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick San Bernardino if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,433/mo median).
Pick San Bernardino if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than San Bernardino?
San Bernardino is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 106.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in San Bernardino.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs San Bernardino?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,433/mo in San Bernardino, CA. San Bernardino, CA has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $63,988 in San Bernardino, CA. Los Angeles, 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?
San Bernardino, CA has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or San Bernardino?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. San Bernardino, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in San Bernardino to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $94,166 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, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology