Is Boston, MA cheaper than San Bernardino, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 27.4% more expensive than San Bernardino, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2051 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in San Bernardino, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Bernardino, CA, you'd need approximately $174,615.385 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Bernardino, CA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 50.4% more expensive than in San Bernardino, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,080/month in San Bernardino, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Bernardino, CA to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2051 more per month than San Bernardino, CA, or $24615 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Bernardino, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in San Bernardino, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.1K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $174.6K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 27.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,051

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$24.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

San Bernardino, CA

Population:222K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$448K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

127

(27% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

San Bernardino, CA

The Golden State

222K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 222K residents.

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Bernardino, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	San Bernardino, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $1,767more	50.4%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $328less	15.2%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$743/mo	↑ $192more	34.8%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$716/mo	↑ $158more	28.4%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $100more	5.8%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 50.4%

San Bernardino, CA

$3,508

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,767

Transportation

↓ 15.2%

San Bernardino, CA

$2,158

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$328

less

Healthcare

↑ 34.8%

San Bernardino, CA

$551

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$192

All Utilities

↑ 28.4%

San Bernardino, CA

$557

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$158

Other

↑ 5.8%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,724

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$100

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,039

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$3,095

↑ $1,495

1 Bed

From$1,670

To$3,255

↑ $1,585

2 Bed

From$2,080

To$3,865

↑ $1,785

3 Bed

From$2,780

To$4,630

↑ $1,850

San Bernardino, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,910/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,539

Monthly in San Bernardino, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$1,930

Difference

Home Values

San Bernardino

Boston

$448K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +39%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$374K - $530K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 115% more expensive than San Bernardino

Calculate payment - San Bernardino Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

San Bernardino, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

San Bernardino, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.