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San Bernardino, CA vs Vacaville, CA

113
San Bernardino
California
VS
-27.2%
155
Vacaville
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. San Bernardino is 27.2% cheaper than Vacaville. With a cost index of 113 vs 155, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from San Bernardino to Vacaville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month compared to $2,227/month in Vacaville — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Bernardino is more affordable at $384,900 median vs $596,700.

Median household income in San Bernardino is $63,988 compared to $108,580 in Vacaville (-41.1%). While Vacaville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of San Bernardino spend roughly 26.9% of their income on rent, more than the 24.6% in Vacaville.

Climate-wise, San Bernardino is notably warmer with an average of 66.2°F compared to 62.1°F in Vacaville. Vacaville receives more rainfall at 24.8" per year compared to 9.4" in San Bernardino.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
San Bernardino
113
27% cheaper
Vacaville
155
Median Household Income
San Bernardino
$63,988
Vacaville
$108,580
41% higher

Housing

Median Rent
San Bernardino
$1,433
36% cheaper
Vacaville
$2,227
Median Home Value
San Bernardino
$384,900
35% cheaper
Vacaville
$596,700
Population
San Bernardino
221,774
Vacaville
102,085

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
Vacaville $1,130
44% cheaper
1 Bed
San Bernardino $2,148
Vacaville $1,240
42% cheaper
2 Bed
San Bernardino $2,675
Vacaville $1,580
41% cheaper
3 Bed
San Bernardino $3,520
Vacaville $2,110
40% cheaper
4 Bed
San Bernardino $4,178
Vacaville $2,390
43% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
San Bernardino $3.13
Vacaville $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
San Bernardino $2.55
Vacaville $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
San Bernardino $4.11
Vacaville $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
San Bernardino $1.89
Vacaville $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
San Bernardino $4.22
Vacaville $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
San Bernardino $0.31
Vacaville $0.26
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
San Bernardino 66.2°F
Vacaville 62.1°F
Summer High
San Bernardino 93°F
Vacaville 95°F
Winter Low
San Bernardino 44°F
Vacaville 38°F
Rainfall
San Bernardino 9.4"
Vacaville 24.8"
Rainy Days
San Bernardino 35d
Vacaville 61d