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San Bernardino, CA vs South Gate, CA

113
San Bernardino
California
VS
-16.4%
135
South Gate
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. San Bernardino is 16.4% cheaper than South Gate. With a cost index of 113 vs 135, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from San Bernardino to South Gate should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month compared to $1,471/month in South Gate — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Bernardino is more affordable at $384,900 median vs $608,500.

Median household income in San Bernardino is $63,988 compared to $71,315 in South Gate (-10.3%). The higher salaries in South Gate partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of San Bernardino spend roughly 26.9% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in South Gate.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.2°F vs 65.8°F). South Gate receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 9.4" in San Bernardino.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
San Bernardino
113
16% cheaper
South Gate
135
Median Household Income
San Bernardino
$63,988
South Gate
$71,315
10% higher

Housing

Median Rent
San Bernardino
$1,433
3% cheaper
South Gate
$1,471
Median Home Value
San Bernardino
$384,900
37% cheaper
South Gate
$608,500
Population
San Bernardino
221,774
South Gate
91,836

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
San Bernardino 66.2°F
South Gate 65.8°F
Summer High
San Bernardino 93°F
South Gate 82°F
Winter Low
San Bernardino 44°F
South Gate 49°F
Rainfall
San Bernardino 9.4"
South Gate 14.3"
Rainy Days
San Bernardino 35d
South Gate 34d