Side-by-side comparison

Houston vs San Bernardino

Cost of living comparison for Houston, Texas and San Bernardino, California.

Bottom line

San Bernardino is approximately 23% more expensive than Houston. A single person needs about $3,918/mo in San Bernardino versus $3,185/mo in Houston.

Rent in Houston vs San Bernardino

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Houston · Studio

$1,226

San Bernardino · Studio

$1,776

San Bernardino is $550 (45%) higher than Houston

Houston · 1 bedroom

$1,279

San Bernardino · 1 bedroom

$1,852

San Bernardino is $573 (45%) higher than Houston

Houston · 2 bedroom

$1,529

San Bernardino · 2 bedroom

$2,306

San Bernardino is $777 (51%) higher than Houston

Houston · 3 bedroom

$2,038

San Bernardino · 3 bedroom

$3,079

San Bernardino is $1,041 (51%) higher than Houston

Income & earnings in Houston vs San Bernardino

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Houston · Household income

$73,104

San Bernardino · Household income

$82,184

San Bernardino is $9,080 (12%) higher than Houston

Houston · Individual earnings

$41,738

San Bernardino · Individual earnings

$40,844

Houston is $894 (2%) higher than San Bernardino

Houston · Per capita

$39,978

San Bernardino · Per capita

$33,180

Houston is $6,798 (20%) higher than San Bernardino

Home values in Houston vs San Bernardino

Average values and property tax.

Houston · Average home value

$255,000

San Bernardino · Average home value

$475,000

San Bernardino is $220,000 (86%) higher than Houston

Houston · Annual property tax

$4,382

San Bernardino · Annual property tax

$3,346

Houston is $1,036 (31%) higher than San Bernardino

Energy in Houston vs San Bernardino

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Houston · Monthly electricity

$167

San Bernardino · Monthly electricity

$167

Houston and San Bernardino are about the same

Houston · Monthly gas

$32

San Bernardino · Monthly gas

$50

San Bernardino is $18 (56%) higher than Houston

Houston · Annual total

$2,388

San Bernardino · Annual total

$2,604

San Bernardino is $216 (9%) higher than Houston

Healthcare in Houston vs San Bernardino

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Houston · Individual premium

$480

San Bernardino · Individual premium

$480

Houston and San Bernardino are about the same

Houston · Family premium

$1,350

San Bernardino · Family premium

$1,350

Houston and San Bernardino are about the same

Houston · Uninsured rate

21.2%

San Bernardino · Uninsured rate

8.5%

Houston is 12.7% (149%) higher than San Bernardino

Taxes in Houston vs San Bernardino

State income and sales tax.

Houston · State income tax

0.0%

San Bernardino · State income tax

13.3%

San Bernardino is 13.3% higher than Houston

Houston · State sales tax

6.3%

San Bernardino · State sales tax

7.3%

San Bernardino is 1.0% (16%) higher than Houston

Houston · Combined sales tax

8.2%

San Bernardino · Combined sales tax

8.8%

San Bernardino is 0.7% (8%) higher than Houston

Transportation in Houston vs San Bernardino

Commute time and travel modes.

Houston · Average commute

29.0 min

San Bernardino · Average commute

32.5 min

San Bernardino is 3.5 min (12%) higher than Houston

Houston · Drive alone

72.4%

San Bernardino · Drive alone

75.2%

San Bernardino is 2.8% (4%) higher than Houston

Houston · Public transit

2.1%

San Bernardino · Public transit

0.9%

Houston is 1.2% (133%) higher than San Bernardino

Monthly cost estimates in Houston vs San Bernardino

All categories combined.

Houston · Single person

$3,185

San Bernardino · Single person

$3,918

San Bernardino is $733 (23%) higher than Houston

Houston · Couple

$4,536

San Bernardino · Couple

$5,951

San Bernardino is $1,415 (31%) higher than Houston

Houston · Family

$7,187

San Bernardino · Family

$8,931

San Bernardino is $1,744 (24%) higher than Houston

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Houston and San Bernardino.

Is Houston or San Bernardino more expensive?

San Bernardino is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,185/mo in Houston, Texas and $3,918/mo in San Bernardino, California, a difference of about 23%.

What is the rent difference between Houston and San Bernardino?

Average one-bedroom rent in Houston, Texas is $1,279/mo versus $1,852/mo in San Bernardino, California. San Bernardino is approximately $573 (45%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Houston or San Bernardino?

San Bernardino has the higher average household income. Houston households earn approximately $73,104 per year; San Bernardino households earn approximately $82,184 per year.

More on Houston and San Bernardino

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Houston profile San Bernardino profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.