Hemet, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city wins on cost in 2025: Hemet or San Bernardino? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in these two California cities. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Hemet and San Bernardino stack up:
| Housing Type | Hemet | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $380,000 | $420,000 |
🏆 Winner: Hemet. A household moving from San Bernardino to Hemet might save $100/month on a 2BR rental or $40,000 on a 3BR home purchase.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In Hemet, expect to pay around $180/month for basic utilities like electricity, water, and gas for a 2BR apartment. San Bernardino utility bills average closer to $200/month.
Both cities experience hot summers, so air conditioning usage can spike electric bills from June to September. Look for off-peak usage plans to save.
🏆 Winner: Hemet, but utility costs are similar in both cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Hemet and San Bernardino are comparable – budget around $400/month for a couple. Restaurant prices are also similar, with an inexpensive meal out costing $12-15 per person in either city.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Expect similar daily living costs in Hemet and San Bernardino.
4. Taxes and Fees
California’s base sales tax rate is 7.25%, but most cities charge more. In Hemet, sales tax is 8.75%. San Bernardino’s rate is slightly higher at 8.85%.
Property taxes in Hemet average 1.15% of a home’s assessed value vs. 1.20% in San Bernardino. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $200/year.
🏆 Winner: Hemet, but tax costs only differ slightly between the two cities.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Hemet | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Misc. | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,340 | $2,475 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Hemet offers a quieter, more suburban feel with larger homes and lots. San Bernardino has more public transportation options and a shorter average commute. Both cities get very hot in summer, with July highs topping 95°F.
Hemet may appeal more to families seeking affordable space, while San Bernardino suits those prioritizing connectivity and centrality.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Hemet more affordable than San Bernardino?
A: Yes, Hemet has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. See our full cost of living breakdown for Hemet.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Hemet rents average about $100 less per month than comparable apartments in San Bernardino.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Hemet home prices are roughly 10% lower than in San Bernardino. For typical 3BR homes, that equates to a $40,000 difference.
8. Conclusion
While Hemet comes out ahead on housing and slightly lower costs across the board, San Bernardino remains relatively affordable for a California city of its size. The best fit depends on your lifestyle priorities.
Young professionals may prefer San Bernardino’s connectivity and commute options, while families can get more bang for their buck on space in Hemet. To see how much it costs to live in Hemet each month, check out our detailed breakdown.
Comparing other California cities? Browse our full library of cost of living comparisons across the state.