Last update: Oct 2026 United States 220K

Cost of Living in San Bernardino, CA

For one person, living costs in San Bernardino, CA are estimated at $2,856 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $39 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in San Bernardino, CA

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in San Bernardino, CA actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,856 per month with rent, or $1,198 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,856 /mo

A couple spends around $4,354 per month with rent, or $2,026 for everyday expenses alone.

$4,354 /mo

A family of three spends around $5,853 per month with rent, or $2,853 without housing.

$5,853 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$20.02 $20.02
$18.02 $18.02
$25.03 $25.03
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$76.5 $76.5
$64.1 $64.1
$98.7 $98.7
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$16.54 $16.54
$14.03 $14.03
$20.05 $20.05
Cappuccino
$5.87 $5.87
$4.89 $4.89
$9.79 $9.79
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.54 $3.54
$3.03 $3.03
$5.06 $5.06
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.35 $2.35
$1.98 $1.98
$2.96 $2.96
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.30 $7.30
$6.04 $6.04
$8.06 $8.06
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.38 $9.38
$7.90 $7.90
$9.87 $9.87
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.09 $1.09
$0.94 $0.94
$1.21 $1.21
White Bread (500g)
$3.93 $3.93
$3.20 $3.20
$5.45 $5.45
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.69 $4.69
$2.15 $2.15
$5.43 $5.43
Eggs
$4.70 $4.70
$2.91 $2.91
$7.78 $7.78
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.99 $12.99
$8.80 $8.80
$17.70 $17.70
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.68 $8.68
$5.63 $5.63
$32.63 $32.63
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.33 $15.33
$10.91 $10.91
$17.53 $17.53
Apples (1kg)
$4.67 $4.67
$2.73 $2.73
$7.63 $7.63
Banana (1kg)
$1.79 $1.79
$1.49 $1.49
$2.59 $2.59
Oranges (1kg)
$4.05 $4.05
$2.19 $2.19
$5.52 $5.52
Tomato (1kg)
$5.67 $5.67
$2.20 $2.20
$6.68 $6.68
Potato (1kg)
$3.61 $3.61
$1.71 $1.71
$7.57 $7.57
Onion (1kg)
$2.21 $2.21
$1.50 $1.50
$4.30 $4.30
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.99 $1.99
$1.28 $1.28
$2.48 $2.48
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.86 $1.86
$1.74 $1.74
$2.23 $2.23
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.74 $11.74
$11.03 $11.03
$15.04 $15.04
Wine (Bottle)
$14.74 $14.74
$7.86 $7.86
$19.66 $19.66
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.12 $2.12
$1.72 $1.72
$3.55 $3.55
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.31 $4.31
$2.53 $2.53
$6.09 $6.09
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.06 $2.06
$2.06 $2.06
$2.06 $2.06
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$59.5 $59.5
$58.0 $58.0
$61.0 $61.0
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$9.83 $9.83
$9.83 $9.83
$9.83 $9.83
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.47 $1.47
$1.18 $1.18
$1.67 $1.67
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.5K $36.5K
$29.6K $29.6K
$37.1K $37.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K $25.7K
$25.5K $25.5K
$25.9K $25.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$216 $216
$144 $144
$248 $248
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$66.6 $66.6
$39.56 $39.56
$98.9 $98.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$73.4 $73.4
$55.3 $55.3
$90.5 $90.5
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$39.64 $39.64
$39.64 $39.64
$39.64 $39.64
Cinema Ticket
$15.33 $15.33
$12.18 $12.18
$19.29 $19.29
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,143 $1,143
$795 $795
$1,491 $1,491
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$17.4K $17.4K
$9,963 $9,963
$24.9K $24.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$62.8 $62.8
$40.08 $40.08
$89.2 $89.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$47.37 $47.37
$34.54 $34.54
$64.1 $64.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$105 $105
$82.5 $82.5
$141 $141
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$145 $145
$70.1 $70.1
$200 $200
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,775 $1,775
$1,486 $1,486
$1,981 $1,981
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,442 $1,442
$1,193 $1,193
$1,691 $1,691
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,508 $2,508
$2,065 $2,065
$2,950 $2,950
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,783 $2,783
-
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,608 $3,608
$3,590 $3,590
$3,633 $3,633
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,635 $3,635
$3,617 $3,617
$3,660 $3,660
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,468 $3,468
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.39
6
7.58

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
San Bernardino, CA $2,856
Accommodation & Living
$1.4K
Groceries & Markets
$389
Eating Out
$359
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$356
Clothing & Footwear
$162
Getting Around
$78 *
Sport & Entertainment
$70

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,775, dropping to $1,442 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 51% of the average salary ($3,468) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,468. With monthly costs around $2,856, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $4,284.

Groceries cost around $389 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $76.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $59.5.

Cost Highlights

Fast food meal is more expensive than 99% of cities in North America

Gasoline is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
02:41 2:41 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
220,000
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.889 EUR).

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San Bernardino, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in San Bernardino, CA - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in San Bernardino, CA compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
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.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food, transport, and work spaces in San Bernardino, CA, United States?
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.
What budgeting framework or seasonal considerations help you maximize quality of life in San Bernardino?
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.
Why is San Bernardino, CA so expensive compared to other cities?
There's no getting around it – San Bernardino, CA is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,856, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.
Is rent in San Bernardino, CA too high relative to local incomes?
Housing in San Bernardino, CA takes a heavy bite – about 51% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in San Bernardino, CA?
You'll want at least $4,284 per month after taxes to live comfortably in San Bernardino, CA. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in San Bernardino, CA?
A central one-bedroom apartment in San Bernardino, CA runs about $1,775 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,442. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in San Bernardino, CA per month?
Private kindergarten in San Bernardino, CA costs about $1,143 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in San Bernardino, CA?
Gym memberships in San Bernardino, CA cost about $39.64 per month – above the regional average. Premium chains and boutique studios charge even more. Parks, running routes, and outdoor fitness areas offer free alternatives if you'd rather skip the fee.
Is $3,000 enough to cover living costs in San Bernardino, CA?
$3,000 in San Bernardino, CA is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,856, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
What are the pros and cons of living in San Bernardino, CA?
Quality of life in San Bernardino, CA is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, wellness scene, café culture, and monthly costs hover around $2,856. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

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