City Comparison
San Bernardino vs Los Angeles
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Los Angeles scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
San Bernardino
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San Bernardino is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Los Angeles.
Housing costs are a major driver: San Bernardino's average rent is
17% lower than Los Angeles's.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,803 | $2,184 | -17% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $231 | -22% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,803 | $3,015 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 124 | 149 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
San Bernardino offers 31% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, San Bernardino delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in San Bernardino is estimated at
$55,000 vs $61,558 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,500 | $48,651 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $61,558 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,210 idx | 32,652 idx |
| Household Income | $67,415 | $81,939 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
San Bernardino runs warmer on average — a 66.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, San Bernardino comes out ahead with 328 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — San Bernardino sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 93.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 44.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 19.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 328 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
San Bernardino scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Bernardino leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of San Bernardino.
From a growth perspective, San Bernardino is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Los Angeles has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | San Bernardino | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 222,044 | 3,863,148 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.01% | % |
| Median Age | 32.2 | 37.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 5.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $1,000.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
San Bernardino
Advantages
More affordable cost of living compared to coastal California cities.
Proximity to diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountains and deserts.
Growing logistics and transportation industry providing job opportunities.
Developing urban core with ongoing revitalization efforts.
Diverse and multicultural population contributing to a rich community fabric.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to state and national averages, particularly property crime and vehicle theft.
Housing costs are higher than the national average.
Car dependency is high, with public transportation options being less comprehensive.
Economic disparities exist within the population.
Perception of safety can be a concern for some residents.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, particularly in entertainment, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering varied job opportunities.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Healthcare quality is high, with major institutions like LA General Medical Center receiving top safety grades and exceeding state benchmarks.
Los Angeles is a global cultural hub, offering a rich array of arts, dining, and entertainment options.
Homicides in Los Angeles decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the lowest number since 1966.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly high, with housing expenses being 135% higher than the national average.
Los Angeles is a highly car-dependent city, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times, averaging 30 minutes.
The city's population is experiencing a slight annual decline, with a -0.15% growth rate projected for 2026.
Despite improvements, Los Angeles's safety score of 58/100 indicates a moderate crime rate, higher than the average U.S. city.
Utility costs in Los Angeles are 9% higher than the national average, adding to the overall expense of living.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
San Bernardino
#166California, USA
37.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,803
Avg Salary
$63,500
Cost Index
124
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
328/yr
Avg Temp
66.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.01%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
70
Business
68
Los Angeles
#157California, USA
42.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,184
Avg Salary
$48,651
Cost Index
149
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
Business
75
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