Anaheim, CA vs San Bernardino, CA

The cost of living difference between Anaheim, CA and San Bernardino, CA is dramatic. San Bernardino is 48% cheaper than Anaheim, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Anaheim has a cost index of 167 while San Bernardino sits at 113, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month compared to $1,433/month in San Bernardino — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Bernardino is more affordable at $384,900 median vs $771,700.

Median household income in Anaheim is $90,583 compared to $63,988 in San Bernardino (+41.6%). The higher salaries in Anaheim partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Anaheim spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 26.9% in San Bernardino.