Norco, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Norco vs San Bernardino. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Norco vs San Bernardino in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is one of the biggest factors in the cost of living difference between Norco and San Bernardino. Here’s a comparison of typical rent and mortgage costs:
| Housing Type | Norco | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 | $1,700 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $3,400 | $2,800 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs are about 20% lower in San Bernardino compared to Norco.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Norco being slightly higher due to larger average home sizes. Expect monthly utility bills around:
- Norco: $180-$220
- San Bernardino: $150-$200
Both cities have hot summers that drive up AC costs. San Bernardino offers more public utility programs and assistance for low-income households.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino, but it’s close. Utility costs are 10-15% lower.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday expenses like gas, dining out, and household goods are very comparable between Norco and San Bernardino. Expect to pay:
- $400-$600/month for groceries for a family of 2-3
- $50-$80 to fill up a tank of gas
- $12-$18 for a basic restaurant meal
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a sales tax rate around 8%. However, property taxes and city fees differ:
- Norco property tax rate: 1.2% (slightly higher than average)
- San Bernardino property tax rate: 1.1%
- In Norco, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, adding $200-$400/month.
- San Bernardino has lower city service fees and fewer areas with HOAs.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Lower property taxes and fewer extra fees add up.
Cost Summary
| Category | Norco | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Mortgage) | $3,400 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $200 | $180 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $400 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,300 | $4,430 |
Lifestyle Fit
Norco offers a quieter, more suburban feel with larger homes and lots. It’s great for families who value space but comes with a longer commute. Norco averages 5°F cooler than San Bernardino in the summer.
San Bernardino provides an urban-suburban mix with more walkability, diversity, and public transit. San Bernardino’s crime rate is 20% higher than Norco’s. But it’s also more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Norco more affordable than San Bernardino? No, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? San Bernardino rents are around 20% cheaper than Norco.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? San Bernardino. Lower home prices and property taxes make it more affordable.
Conclusion
While Norco and San Bernardino are only 20 miles apart, their costs of living differ considerably, mainly due to housing. A household moving from San Bernardino to Norco might pay $600 more per month on housing alone.
Budget-conscious renters, first-time buyers, and commuters may prefer San Bernardino. Families seeking more space and a suburban lifestyle often choose Norco despite the premium. To see a detailed monthly budget for Norco, read Can You Afford to Live in Norco? Monthly Budget Guide. For an in-depth look at expenses, check out Cost of Living in Norco – Housing, Groceries, Taxes & More.
Ultimately, both cities offer a mix of Southern California amenities and access to the Inland Empire at different price points. Your lifestyle and priorities will determine which is the better fit.