Median rent is 19% lower in San Bernardino ($1,433/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Bernardino, where the median home runs $384,900 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $63,988 a year). Taken together, San Bernardino is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 106.7 against 113.0 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
San Bernardino is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 106.7 in San Bernardino vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
San Bernardino, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Bernardino, CA to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in San Bernardino, CA
$70,825
You could earn $4,175 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
New York
New York
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
Median rent is modestly lower in San Bernardino at $1,433/mo compared to $1,779/mo in New York (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $384,900 in San Bernardino — 49% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 13.30% in California, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 7.25% in California; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
San Bernardino
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
San Bernardino has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 61.0 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 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/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 New York cheaper than San Bernardino?
San Bernardino is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 106.7 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in San Bernardino.
How much is rent in New York vs San Bernardino?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,433/mo in San Bernardino, CA. San Bernardino, CA has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $63,988 in San Bernardino, CA. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New York or San Bernardino?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and California's is 13.30%. New York, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in San Bernardino to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $94,434 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