Is Santa Clarita, CA cheaper than San Bernardino, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Santa Clarita, CA is 36.7% more expensive than San Bernardino, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2755 per month.

What salary do I need in Santa Clarita, CA to live like I do in San Bernardino, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Bernardino, CA, you'd need approximately $183,064.896 in Santa Clarita, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Bernardino, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?

Housing in Santa Clarita, CA is 83.5% more expensive than in San Bernardino, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA compared to $2,080/month in San Bernardino, CA.

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

Living in Santa Clarita, CA costs approximately $2755 more per month than San Bernardino, CA, or $33065 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Bernardino, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $2.8K/month more in Santa Clarita, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $183.1K in Santa Clarita, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 36.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,755

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$33.1K

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

137

(37% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

San Bernardino, CA

The Golden State

222K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Bernardino, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA

Category	San Bernardino, CA	Santa Clarita, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$6,439/mo	↑ $2,930more	83.5%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,992/mo	↓ $166less	7.7%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,598/mo	↓ $126less	7.3%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$999/mo	↓ $39.76less	3.8%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$536/mo	↓ $21.84less	3.9%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$532/mo	↓ $19.23less	3.5%

Housing

↑ 83.5%

San Bernardino, CA

$3,508

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Difference

$2,930

Transportation

↓ 7.7%

San Bernardino, CA

$2,158

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Difference

$166

less

Other

↓ 7.3%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,724

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Difference

$126

less

Groceries

↓ 3.8%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,039

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Difference

$39.76

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

San Bernardino, CA

$557

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Difference

$21.84

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.5%

San Bernardino, CA

$551

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Difference

$19.23

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,452

↓ $148

1 Bed

From$1,670

To$1,648

↓ $22.00

2 Bed

From$2,080

To$2,197

↑ $117

3 Bed

From$2,780

To$3,296

↑ $516

San Bernardino, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,910/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

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$2,557

Difference

Home Values

San Bernardino

Santa Clarita

$448K

Median Value

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↑ +39%

5-Year Change

$374K - $530K

Price Range

Calculate payment - San Bernardino

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Santa Clarita, 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

Additional Tax Information

San Bernardino, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Santa Clarita, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.