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Compton, CA vs San Bernardino, CA

134
Compton
California
VS
+18.6%
113
San Bernardino
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. San Bernardino is 18.6% cheaper than Compton. With a cost index of 113 vs 134, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from San Bernardino to Compton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Compton is $1,601/month compared to $1,433/month in San Bernardino — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Bernardino is more affordable at $384,900 median vs $546,700.

Median household income in Compton is $74,270 compared to $63,988 in San Bernardino (+16.1%). The higher salaries in Compton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Compton spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, less than the 26.9% in San Bernardino.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Compton
134
San Bernardino
113
16% cheaper
Median Household Income
Compton
$74,270
14% higher
San Bernardino
$63,988

Housing

Median Rent
Compton
$1,601
San Bernardino
$1,433
10% cheaper
Median Home Value
Compton
$546,700
San Bernardino
$384,900
30% cheaper
Population
Compton
93,525
San Bernardino
221,774

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Compton $2,031
San Bernardino $2,020
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Compton $2,272
San Bernardino $2,148
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Compton $2,835
San Bernardino $2,675
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Compton $3,599
San Bernardino $3,520
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Compton $4,010
San Bernardino $4,178
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Compton $3.28
San Bernardino $3.13
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Compton $2.68
San Bernardino $2.55
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Compton $4.31
San Bernardino $4.11
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Compton $1.98
San Bernardino $1.89
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Compton $4.44
San Bernardino $4.22
US $4.14
Electricity
Compton $0.27
San Bernardino $0.31
US $0.19