San Bernardino, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: San Bernardino vs Ontario. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of San Bernardino vs Ontario in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how San Bernardino and Ontario compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | San Bernardino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs are about 20-25% lower in San Bernardino compared to Ontario.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can add up quickly. San Bernardino and Ontario have fairly similar climates, so energy usage is comparable. Typical monthly utility costs:
- San Bernardino: $180-$220
- Ontario: $190-$240
Both cities offer “time of use” electric plans that can help save if you avoid peak hours. Water costs are also similar.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino, but only slightly. Expect to pay around 5-10% less for utilities in San Bernardino.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs are fairly consistent across the region. Assuming a mix of cooking at home and dining out, monthly food costs are estimated at:
- San Bernardino: $400-$600 per person
- Ontario: $450-$650 per person
Grocery prices and restaurant tabs tend to be 5-10% lower in San Bernardino. Alcohol is similarly priced.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino takes the slight edge for cheaper eats and grocery deals.
4. Taxes and Fees
California has relatively high income taxes, but property taxes are more reasonable thanks to Prop 13 caps. San Bernardino and Ontario have comparable tax rates:
- Property tax rate: 1.15% (San Bernardino County average)
- Sales tax: 7.75% + 1.0% local (San Bernardino), 7.75% + 1.0% local (Ontario)
In San Bernardino, HOA fees often include extras like landscaping and exterior maintenance. Ontario HOAs tend to be pricier for similar amenities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Taxes and core fees are nearly identical between the two cities.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | San Bernardino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 – $1,875 | $1,850 – $2,300 |
| Utilities | $180 – $220 | $190 – $240 |
| Groceries | $400 – $600 | $450 – $650 |
| Transportation | $60 – $80 | $60 – $80 |
| Taxes | $350 – $600 | $400 – $700 |
| Misc | $200 – $400 | $250 – $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,640 – $3,775 | $3,200 – $4,420 |
These figures reflect estimated monthly costs for a working couple renting a 2BR apartment or owning a 3BR home. Your specific cost of living will depend on your housing, family size, lifestyle and income.
6. Lifestyle Fit
San Bernardino offers a bit more space for the money, with larger apartments and homes compared to Ontario. However, Ontario has better walkability and public transit access.
Commute times are reasonable to most major employers from both cities. Ontario averages 5°F cooler summer temperatures than San Bernardino.
7. FAQ
- Is San Bernardino more affordable than Ontario? Yes, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. Expect to spend 15-20% less living in San Bernardino.
- Which city has lower rent? San Bernardino rent prices are around 20% lower than Ontario. You can get more space for your dollar in San Bernardino.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? San Bernardino has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes. Buying a home is more affordable in San Bernardino compared to Ontario.
8. Conclusion
San Bernardino comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, with lower housing costs, slightly cheaper utilities and food, and comparable taxes to Ontario. A household moving from Ontario to San Bernardino might save $400/month on housing alone.
However, the best fit depends on your priorities. Ontario may be worth the premium for its walkability, transit access and milder summers. Wherever you land, both cities offer a relatively affordable slice of Southern California living.
For more details, check out our full guides on the [Cost of Living in San Bernardino (2025 Guide)](/san-bernardino-ca/cost-overview/) and [Monthly Budget Examples for San Bernardino Residents](/san-bernardino-ca/monthly-budget/).
San Bernardino, CA vs. Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: San Bernardino vs Ontario. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of San Bernardino vs Ontario in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how San Bernardino and Ontario compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | San Bernardino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino. Housing costs are about 20-25% lower in San Bernardino compared to Ontario.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can add up quickly. San Bernardino and Ontario have fairly similar climates, so energy usage is comparable. Typical monthly utility costs:
- San Bernardino: $180-$220
- Ontario: $190-$240
Both cities offer “time of use” electric plans that can help save if you avoid peak hours. Water costs are also similar.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino, but only slightly. Expect to pay around 5-10% less for utilities in San Bernardino.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs are fairly consistent across the region. Assuming a mix of cooking at home and dining out, monthly food costs are estimated at:
- San Bernardino: $400-$600 per person
- Ontario: $450-$650 per person
Grocery prices and restaurant tabs tend to be 5-10% lower in San Bernardino. Alcohol is similarly priced.
🏆 Winner: San Bernardino takes the slight edge for cheaper eats and grocery deals.
4. Taxes and Fees
California has relatively high income taxes, but property taxes are more reasonable thanks to Prop 13 caps. San Bernardino and Ontario have comparable tax rates:
- Property tax rate: 1.15% (San Bernardino County average)
- Sales tax: 7.75% + 1.0% local (San Bernardino), 7.75% + 1.0% local (Ontario)
In San Bernardino, HOA fees often include extras like landscaping and exterior maintenance. Ontario HOAs tend to be pricier for similar amenities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Taxes and core fees are nearly identical between the two cities.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | San Bernardino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 – $1,875 | $1,850 – $2,300 |
| Utilities | $180 – $220 | $190 – $240 |
| Groceries | $400 – $600 | $450 – $650 |
| Transportation | $60 – $80 | $60 – $80 |
| Taxes | $350 – $600 | $400 – $700 |
| Misc | $200 – $400 | $250 – $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,640 – $3,775 | $3,200 – $4,420 |
These figures reflect estimated monthly costs for a working couple renting a 2BR apartment or owning a 3BR home. Your specific cost of living will depend on your housing, family size, lifestyle and income.
6. Lifestyle Fit
San Bernardino offers a bit more space for the money, with larger apartments and homes compared to Ontario. However, Ontario has better walkability and public transit access.
Commute times are reasonable to most major employers from both cities. Ontario averages 5°F cooler summer temperatures than San Bernardino.
7. FAQ
- Is San Bernardino more affordable than Ontario? Yes, San Bernardino has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. Expect to spend 15-20% less living in San Bernardino.
- Which city has lower rent? San Bernardino rent prices are around 20% lower than Ontario. You can get more space for your dollar in San Bernardino.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? San Bernardino has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes. Buying a home is more affordable in San Bernardino compared to Ontario.
8. Conclusion
San Bernardino comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, with lower housing costs, slightly cheaper utilities and food, and comparable taxes to Ontario. A household moving from Ontario to San Bernardino might save $400/month on housing alone.
However, the best fit depends on your priorities. Ontario may be worth the premium for its walkability, transit access and milder summers. Wherever you land, both cities offer a relatively affordable slice of Southern California living.
For more details, check out our full guides on the [Cost of Living in San Bernardino (2025 Guide)](/san-bernardino-ca/cost-overview/) and [Monthly Budget Examples for San Bernardino Residents](/san-bernardino-ca/monthly-budget/).