Corona, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city wins on cost in 2025: Corona or San Bernardino? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help you decide which Inland Empire city fits your lifestyle and budget. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of life in Corona vs San Bernardino.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Corona and San Bernardino:
| Housing Type | Corona | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,100 | $1,800 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $650,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs, both renting and buying, are significantly lower in San Bernardino compared to Corona. A household moving from San Bernardino to Corona might pay $400 more per month in rent alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another key monthly expense. In the Inland Empire, expect to use more A/C in the summer but less heating in winter compared to coastal areas. Typical utility costs for a 2BR apartment:
- Corona: $180-$220/month
- San Bernardino: $150-$200/month
Both cities offer off-peak energy plans that can help lower bills. Check with your local utility provider for details.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. While utility costs are fairly similar, San Bernardino comes out slightly cheaper on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday goods are comparable between Corona and San Bernardino. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month on groceries for a couple. A meal out ranges from $12 at a casual spot to $50+ per person at a nice restaurant in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in food and daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax is 7.25%, but most cities add their own taxes on top of that:
- Corona sales tax: 8.75%
- San Bernardino sales tax: 8.75%
Property tax rates are also similar. Corona’s effective property tax rate is 1.15% vs 1.13% in San Bernardino. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $100 per year.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Tax rates are nearly identical between the two cities.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Corona | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $2,800 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $200 | $175 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $250 | $225 |
| Taxes | $600 | $500 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,750 | $3,900 |
These figures are based on a gross monthly income (pre-tax). For a more personalized breakdown, check out these Sample Monthly Budgets for Corona in 2025.
Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t the only factor in choosing where to live. Consider some key lifestyle differences:
- Corona offers more newer housing and planned communities, while San Bernardino has more historic homes and diverse neighborhoods.
- San Bernardino has better public transit and a more walkable downtown. Corona averages 20 minutes longer commutes.
- Both have easy access to mountains and deserts for recreation, but Corona is a bit closer to LA and Orange County.
For a full picture, read our Cost of Living in Corona: Your Monthly Budget Guide for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corona more affordable than San Bernardino?
No, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. Expect to spend about $850 less per month living in San Bernardino vs Corona.
Which city has lower rent?
San Bernardino has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $300-400 less per month than in Corona.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
San Bernardino has significantly lower home prices. The median price for a 3BR house is about $200,000 less in San Bernardino compared to Corona.
Conclusion
Overall, San Bernardino is the more affordable place to live, with lower costs for housing, utilities, and transportation. However, Corona offers some appealing lifestyle perks, like newer housing and proximity to LA, that may be worth the extra cost for some.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, preferences, and priorities. Be sure to compare cost of living breakdowns for other cities in California to find your ideal fit!