Indio, CA vs San Bernardino, CA

Indio, CA and San Bernardino, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.8% difference in their overall index. Indio scores 115 while San Bernardino scores 113 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Indio is $1,392/month compared to $1,433/month in San Bernardino — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Indio has cheaper rent, San Bernardino actually has lower median home values ($384,900 vs $424,700).

Median household income in Indio is $78,709 compared to $63,988 in San Bernardino (+23%). While Indio is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Indio spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 26.9% in San Bernardino.

Climate-wise, Indio is notably warmer with an average of 72.5°F compared to 66.2°F in San Bernardino. San Bernardino receives more rainfall at 9.4" per year compared to 3" in Indio.