San Bernardino vs. Iloilo: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of San Bernardino, California (USA) and Iloilo City, Philippines (Philippines) based on available data. The analysis covers key factors including cost of living, quality of life, economic indicators, and property market metrics. Both cities present distinct profiles with significant differences in affordability, economic development, and quality metrics.

Cost of Living and Economic Indicators

Health Care Index

66.7 / 58.9

Pollution Index

87.6 / 64.3

San Bernardino   Iloilo

San Bernardino demonstrates a significantly higher cost of living compared to Iloilo. The city's property price-to-income ratio stands at 2.3, substantially lower than Iloilo's ratio of 58.37. Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 in San Bernardino city center versus $285 in Iloilo. Groceries for a monthly supply cost approximately $126 in San Bernardino versus $4.38 in Iloilo. Transportation expenses also show a stark contrast, with a monthly public transport pass averaging $106 in San Bernardino versus $5 in Iloilo. Economically, San Bernardino exhibits substantially higher purchasing power with a GDP per capita of $50,000 compared to Iloilo's $9,900. The annual mortgage interest rate is similar between both cities at 7.33%, but the significantly higher income in San Bernardino translates to better affordability despite comparable financing costs.

Quality of Life and Safety

Safety Index

26 / 59.8

San Bernardino   Iloilo

Quality of life metrics reveal notable differences between the two cities. San Bernardino scores higher on safety metrics, with a safety index of 71.4 compared to Iloilo's 59.8. Healthcare quality also favors San Bernardino, with a healthcare index of 86.3 versus Iloilo's 58.91. Environmental quality metrics show San Bernardino has a lower pollution index (33.7) than Iloilo's 64.32. However, Iloilo demonstrates advantages in specific quality metrics. Certain neighborhoods in Iloilo, such as Ajuy (93.44) and Ma-ayon, Capiz (105.16), show quality of life scores exceeding 100, suggesting they may be preferable to some residents accustomed to higher-scoring developed nations.

Property Market Analysis

The real estate markets in both cities present contrasting profiles. San Bernardino features a relatively stable property market with consistent pricing across locations. A 3-bedroom apartment averages $411,000 in San Bernardino, with city center units priced at $462,000 and suburban units at $359,000. Iloilo's property market shows significant geographic variation. City center apartments cost an average of $266,000, while suburban units are priced at $106,000. The highest property prices are found in specific areas like Roxas (147.88) and Ma-ayon, Capiz (105.16), reflecting the regional variation within Iloilo.

Summary and Conclusion

San Bernardino offers a higher standard of living with better quality of life metrics, particularly in safety and healthcare, alongside significantly higher costs across most categories. Iloilo presents substantially lower costs of living but with trade-offs in safety, healthcare quality, and environmental factors. The choice between these cities ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding quality of life versus cost savings. For those prioritizing safety and healthcare access, San Bernardino represents the better option despite higher costs. Conversely, for those seeking significant cost reductions, Iloilo offers substantial savings but with important compromises in quality of life metrics.