Cost of Living in San Bernardino, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,271 (excluding rent), and $3,136 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,757 (excluding rent), and $5,776 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.07 $20.07

$15.05 $15.05

$20.07 $20.07

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$80.7 $80.7

$60.5 $60.5

$90.7 $90.7

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$15.23 $15.23

$12.18 $12.18

$20.31 $20.31

Cappuccino

$5.06 $5.06

$3.5 $3.5

$6.8 $6.8

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.47 $3.47

$1.95 $1.95

$3.89 $3.89

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.07 $7.07

$4.04 $4.04

$8.08 $8.08

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.06 $8.06

$6.04 $6.04

$10.07 $10.07

Milk (1 liter)

$1.07 $1.07

$0.91 $0.91

$1.3 $1.3

White Bread (500g)

$4.19 $4.19

$2.75 $2.75

$5.49 $5.49

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.16 $4.16

$1.76 $1.76

$6.65 $6.65

Eggs

$5.97 $5.97

$2.97 $2.97

$5.97 $5.97

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.75 $10.75

$5.57 $5.57

$17.79 $17.79

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.29 $13.29

$5.74 $5.74

$17.73 $17.73

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.31 $14.31

$9.78 $9.78

$27.16 $27.16

Apples (1kg)

$3.38 $3.38

$2.7 $2.7

$6.45 $6.45

Banana (1kg)

$1.75 $1.75

$1.47 $1.47

$2.73 $2.73

Oranges (1kg)

$4.08 $4.08

$1.77 $1.77

$8.85 $8.85

Tomato (1kg)

$5.72 $5.72

$1.69 $1.69

$11.3 $11.3

Potato (1kg)

$3.14 $3.14

$1.07 $1.07

$6.45 $6.45

Onion (1kg)

$2.85 $2.85

$1.71 $1.71

$4.34 $4.34

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.4 $1.4

$0.98 $0.98

$2.96 $2.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.48 $1.48

$2.56 $2.56

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.17 $11.17

$7.11 $7.11

$12.75 $12.75

Wine (Bottle)

$13.56 $13.56

$6.02 $6.02

$20.09 $20.09

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2 $2

$1.76 $1.76

$4.37 $4.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.55 $5.55

$1.47 $1.47

$5.88 $5.88

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$57.9 $57.9

$56.4 $56.4

$59.4 $59.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.07 $5.07

$7.1 $7.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$4.29 $4.29

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.71 $28.71

$25.97 $25.97

$34.43 $34.43

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 $1.23

$1.13 $1.13

$1.29 $1.29

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.6K $25.6K

$20K $20K

$36.8K $36.8K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.6K $24.6K

$16.3K $16.3K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$253 $253

$128 $128

$253 $253

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.1 $54.1

$20.05 $20.05

$100 $100

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.4 $59.4

$49.14 $49.14

$78.6 $78.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$40.33 $40.33

$17.64 $17.64

$50.4 $50.4

Cinema Ticket

$13.83 $13.83

$10.87 $10.87

$17.78 $17.78

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,148 $1,148

$799 $799

$1,497 $1,497

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,902 $9,902

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56 $56

$25.02 $25.02

$70 $70

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.51 $34.51

$23.89 $23.89

$59.7 $59.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$63.9 $63.9

$138 $138

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$102 $102

$49.9 $49.9

$160 $160

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,970 $1,970

$1,906 $1,906

$2,033 $2,033

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,701 $1,701

$1,001 $1,001

$1,701 $1,701

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,520 $2,520

$2,075 $2,075

$2,965 $2,965

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,749 $2,749

$1,700 $1,700

$2,749 $2,749

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,574 $3,574

$3,556 $3,556

$3,599 $3,599

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,634 $3,634

$3,616 $3,616

$3,659 $3,659

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,659 $3,659

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.58

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in San Bernardino, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino offers a balance of space, access, and lower daily costs compared with coastal hubs. Cost of Living in San Bernardino, CA, United States tends to reward flexible housing choices and off-peak commuting, especially for longer stays. You'll find a mix of older homes, duplexes, and walkable districts with real character, often at friendlier rents than nearby metros. Daily groceries, casual dining, and services generally run modestly, though seasonal price shifts and fuel costs influence your budget. If you value outdoor access and a steadier pace, you may find good value here. Tip: Plan a week ahead to compare neighborhoods and transit options before committing.

For housing search, start with neighborhoods near transit lines or services, compare lease terms, and consider shared options to reduce upfront costs. Food options range from local markets to affordable eateries; you can cook at home to stretch your dollars and still enjoy diverse flavors. Transport includes buses, rail connections, and ride-hailing as flexible options; for work, explore coworking spaces with day passes or short-term memberships. San Bernardino, CA, United States living cost varies by area and season, so plan for hotter summers and cooler winters that affect cooling and heating needs. Tip: Use public transit passes and create a weekly grocery plan to avoid impulse buys.

Budgeting for San Bernardino means pairing flexible daily spending with longer-term planning. Use a simple framework: track housing, groceries, transport, and utilities separately, then set seasonal adjustments for summer cooling and winter heating. Neighborhoods near parks, schools, or transit can save you both time and money, while renting room shares or smaller units reduces monthly outlay. Leverage local markets, discount stores, and occasional coworking deals to balance work needs with cost. For leisure, mix free outdoor activities with affordable dining to maintain a sustainable rhythm. Tip: Schedule a monthly review to adjust habits before seasonal spikes or holidays drive bigger expenses.