Riverside, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Riverside and San Bernardino, two neighboring cities in Southern California. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Riverside vs San Bernardino in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Riverside and San Bernardino:
| Housing Type | Riverside | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,950 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $480,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs are about 15-20% lower in San Bernardino compared to Riverside.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a major monthly expense. Here’s what you can expect to pay in each city:
- Riverside: $180-$250/month. Summers require more A/C use.
- San Bernardino: $150-$220/month. Slightly milder climate means lower bills.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino has slightly lower utility costs on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday items is fairly similar between Riverside and San Bernardino. Expect to budget around $400-600 per person monthly for food and daily needs in either city.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie! No major difference in this category.
4. Taxes and Fees
Don’t forget to factor in taxes and city fees:
- Property tax rate: 1.15% in Riverside, 1.10% in San Bernardino
- City services fees: Similar in both cities
- HOA fees: $200-400/month is typical for many Riverside neighborhoods. San Bernardino HOAs tend to be slightly lower.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino has a slight edge with lower property taxes and HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Riverside | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,750 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes & Fees | $550 | $480 |
| Misc Expenses | $600 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,120 | $4,660 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While San Bernardino is more affordable overall, each city has lifestyle tradeoffs to consider:
- Riverside has more upscale housing and retail options
- San Bernardino offers easier access to mountain getaways
- Summers are 5°F cooler on average in San Bernardino due to elevation
- Riverside has more extensive public transit and bike trails
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Riverside more affordable than San Bernardino?
A: No, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Rental costs are about 15% lower in San Bernardino vs Riverside.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: San Bernardino home prices are roughly 12% lower than in Riverside.
8. Conclusion
While both Riverside and San Bernardino are relatively affordable Southern California cities, San Bernardino offers a lower cost of living overall. Housing costs are the most significant difference, with San Bernardino homes and apartments costing 12-15% less on average.
Budget-conscious households, especially those with lower-to-average incomes in the $4000-6000 monthly range, will likely find their money goes further in San Bernardino. However, those prioritizing more extensive amenities, transit options, and upscale housing may prefer Riverside despite the higher cost.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, commute needs, and budget priorities. Be sure to compare specific neighborhoods and amenities as you weigh your options.
Riverside, CA vs. San Bernardino, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Riverside and San Bernardino, two neighboring cities in Southern California. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Riverside vs San Bernardino in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Riverside and San Bernardino:
| Housing Type | Riverside | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,950 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $480,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs are about 15-20% lower in San Bernardino compared to Riverside.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a major monthly expense. Here’s what you can expect to pay in each city:
- Riverside: $180-$250/month. Summers require more A/C use.
- San Bernardino: $150-$220/month. Slightly milder climate means lower bills.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino has slightly lower utility costs on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday items is fairly similar between Riverside and San Bernardino. Expect to budget around $400-600 per person monthly for food and daily needs in either city.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie! No major difference in this category.
4. Taxes and Fees
Don’t forget to factor in taxes and city fees:
- Property tax rate: 1.15% in Riverside, 1.10% in San Bernardino
- City services fees: Similar in both cities
- HOA fees: $200-400/month is typical for many Riverside neighborhoods. San Bernardino HOAs tend to be slightly lower.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino has a slight edge with lower property taxes and HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Riverside | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,750 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes & Fees | $550 | $480 |
| Misc Expenses | $600 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,120 | $4,660 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While San Bernardino is more affordable overall, each city has lifestyle tradeoffs to consider:
- Riverside has more upscale housing and retail options
- San Bernardino offers easier access to mountain getaways
- Summers are 5°F cooler on average in San Bernardino due to elevation
- Riverside has more extensive public transit and bike trails
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Riverside more affordable than San Bernardino?
A: No, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Rental costs are about 15% lower in San Bernardino vs Riverside.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: San Bernardino home prices are roughly 12% lower than in Riverside.
8. Conclusion
While both Riverside and San Bernardino are relatively affordable Southern California cities, San Bernardino offers a lower cost of living overall. Housing costs are the most significant difference, with San Bernardino homes and apartments costing 12-15% less on average.
Budget-conscious households, especially those with lower-to-average incomes in the $4000-6000 monthly range, will likely find their money goes further in San Bernardino. However, those prioritizing more extensive amenities, transit options, and upscale housing may prefer Riverside despite the higher cost.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, commute needs, and budget priorities. Be sure to compare specific neighborhoods and amenities as you weigh your options.