Median rent is 25% lower in San Bernardino ($1,433/mo vs $1,916/mo). Buying is cheaper in San Bernardino, where the median home runs $384,900 versus $568,000. Households earn more in Ontario ($82,806 vs $63,988 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (106.7).
City A
Ontario, CA
City B
San Bernardino, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Bernardino, CA to maintain your standard of living from Ontario, CA?
Equivalent salary in San Bernardino, CA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Ontario
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 $1,916/mo in Ontario, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Ontario: the median home is $568,000 versus $384,900 in San Bernardino — 32% 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).
Ontario
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
San Bernardino
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for San Bernardino (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Ontario.
Pick Ontario if you prioritize higher median household income ($82,806/yr).
Pick San Bernardino if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,433/mo median).
Is Ontario cheaper than San Bernardino?
Ontario is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 106.7 versus 106.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Ontario.
How much is rent in Ontario vs San Bernardino?
Median rent is $1,916/mo in Ontario, CA and $1,433/mo in San Bernardino, CA. San Bernardino, CA has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Ontario or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario, CA and $63,988 in San Bernardino, CA. Ontario, 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 — Ontario 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 Ontario income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Ontario, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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