Redlands, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Garcias and the Johnsons, both looking to relocate to the Inland Empire region of Southern California. The Garcias, a family of four, are considering a 3-bedroom home in Redlands with a monthly rent of $2,400. Meanwhile, the Johnsons, a couple, have their eye on a 2-bedroom apartment in San Bernardino for $1,600 per month.
When it comes to groceries, the Garcias estimate they’ll spend around $1,100 monthly in Redlands, while the Johnsons budget $750 for their grocery needs in San Bernardino. But which city truly offers the most affordable cost of living when all factors are considered? This article provides a comprehensive cost of living comparison between Redlands and San Bernardino to help you make an informed decision in 2025.
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1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest expense when it comes to cost of living. Here’s how typical housing costs compare between Redlands and San Bernardino:
| Housing Type | Redlands | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,800 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House | $2,400 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs tend to be more affordable in San Bernardino compared to Redlands.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can add up quickly. In Redlands, expect to pay around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment, with costs rising to $250 monthly for a 3BR home. San Bernardino utility costs are slightly lower, averaging $160 for a 2BR and $220 for a 3BR.
Both cities experience hot summers, so budget extra for AC costs from June to September. Many providers offer off-peak usage plans that can help keep bills manageable.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. While utility costs are comparable, San Bernardino comes out slightly ahead.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to spend around $350 per month for a single person in either Redlands or San Bernardino. A family of four should budget closer to $1,100 monthly. Eating out is also comparable, with a basic meal running about $15 per person in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical in Redlands and San Bernardino.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a sales tax rate of 7.75%. However, property taxes are higher in Redlands, averaging 1.15% versus 1.05% in San Bernardino. HOA fees are common in both cities for apartments and planned communities, typically ranging from $200-400 monthly.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. The lower property tax rate gives San Bernardino a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense | Redlands | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $250 | $220 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 |
| Taxes (1.15% vs 1.05%) | $460 | $420 |
| Misc Costs | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,790 | $4,400 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While San Bernardino offers a lower cost of living, Redlands provides more upscale amenities and a quaint downtown area. Redlands averages 5°F cooler than San Bernardino during summer months. San Bernardino has more affordable homes with larger lots, but longer commute times.
Redlands is ideal for families seeking strong schools and a tight-knit community feel. San Bernardino appeals to those looking for more space on a budget and easy access to outdoor activities in the San Bernardino Mountains.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Redlands more affordable than San Bernardino?
A: No, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living than Redlands, primarily due to cheaper housing, lower utilities, and slightly lower taxes.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: On average, rent prices are about 10-15% lower in San Bernardino compared to Redlands for equivalent apartments and rental homes.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: San Bernardino offers more affordable home prices. The median home price in San Bernardino is around $450,000 versus $600,000 in Redlands (as of 2025).
8. Conclusion
While both Redlands and San Bernardino provide a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other parts of California, San Bernardino comes out ahead in terms of overall affordability. A household moving from Redlands to San Bernardino could save $400 or more per month on housing and utilities alone.
However, the best fit depends on your lifestyle priorities. Young professionals and families may prefer Redlands for its quaint charm and strong school system. Those seeking more space and outdoor recreation might favor San Bernardino.
Ultimately, both cities offer a chance to enjoy Southern California living without the sky-high costs of coastal metros. To dive deeper into budgeting for each city, check out our guides on how much it costs to live in Redlands each month or get a full cost of living breakdown for Redlands in 2025.