Cost of Living in San Bernardino, CA

With a cost of living index of 113, San Bernardino, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 13% more expensive than the national average and 31% below the California state average of 144. As a major city with a population of 221,774, San Bernardino offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in San Bernardino's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,433 (9% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $384,900 (26% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in San Bernardino is $63,988, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to San Bernardino. The area sees an average annual temperature of 66.2°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 56°F. Annual rainfall totals 9.4 inches spread over roughly 35 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.