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

Based on cost of living data, San Bernardino, CA is 26.9% cheaper than Santa Clarita, CA. This translates to saving $2015 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Clarita, CA, you'd need approximately $125,818.932 in San Bernardino, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Bernardino, CA is 45.5% cheaper than in Santa Clarita, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,080/month in San Bernardino, CA compared to $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Clarita, CA to San Bernardino, CA could save you approximately $2015 per month, or $24181 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Clarita, CA vs San Bernardino, 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 Santa Clarita, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to San Bernardino, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.8K in San Bernardino, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,015

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.2K

Per year

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$885K

San Bernardino, CA

Population:222K

Cost Index:

(27% below avg)

Median Home:$448K

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Bernardino, CA

The Golden State

222K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

Category	Santa Clarita, CA	San Bernardino, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,439/mo	$3,508/mo	↓ $2,930less	45.5%
Transportation	$1,992/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $166more	8.3%
Other	$1,598/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $126more	7.9%
Groceries	$999/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $39.76more	4.0%
All Utilities	$536/mo	$557/mo	↑ $21.84more	4.1%
Healthcare	$532/mo	$551/mo	↑ $19.23more	3.6%

Housing

↓ 45.5%

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

San Bernardino, CA

$3,508

Difference

$2,930

less

Transportation

↑ 8.3%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

San Bernardino, CA

$2,158

Difference

$166

Other

↑ 7.9%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

San Bernardino, CA

$1,724

Difference

$126

Groceries

↑ 4.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

San Bernardino, CA

$1,039

Difference

$39.76

All Utilities

↑ 4.1%

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

San Bernardino, CA

$557

Difference

$21.84

Healthcare

↑ 3.6%

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

San Bernardino, CA

$551

Difference

$19.23

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,452

To$1,600

↑ $148

1 Bed

From$1,648

To$1,670

↑ $22.00

2 Bed

From$2,197

To$2,080

↓ $117

3 Bed

From$3,296

To$2,780

↓ $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.

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$9,539

Monthly in San Bernardino, CA

$2,557

Difference

Home Values

Santa Clarita

San Bernardino

Median Value

$448K

YoY Change

↓ -2%

5-Year Change

↑ +39%

Price Range

$374K - $530K

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Santa Clarita, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Bernardino, 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.