San Bernardino and Austin are two significant cities in the United States with notable differences. Austin, Texas, primarily marked for its vibrant live music scene, tech industry, and warm climate, offers an appealing Southern hospitality, while San Bernardino, California, is known for its diverse culture, ample outdoor activities available, and proximity to Los Angeles. As we dig deeper into the categories of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and more, we'll paint a clearer picture of how these contrasting cities match up against each other.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
San Bernardino, CA : 1,170.8 miles
Austin's population is larger by 334%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of San Bernardino has grown by 36,802 people (19.9%) during that time.
Austin has a lower crime rate compared to San Bernardino, making it safer for both residents and tourists. While both cities have programs in place to reduce crime and ensure public safety, Austin's efforts have proven more successful. In San Bernardino, local law enforcement agencies are working hard to address the significant crime rate issue, but it is worth considering for those considering relocation or a visit.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 698 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in San Bernardino is 310 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Austin than in San Bernardino.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is generally lower than in San Bernardino. This difference considers housing, transportation, groceries, health care, and utilities. San Bernardino's housing costs are influenced by California's generally high real estate prices, which significantly impact the overall cost of living.
Income Tax
Texas, including Austin, charges no state income tax, a major plus for residents. In contrast, California has some of the highest state income tax rates in the country, a factor that San Bernardino residents contend with.
Property Tax
Austin's property tax rates are high compared to the rest of the country but are fairly typical within Texas. On the other hand, even though San Bernardino is in a state known for high property values, its rates are lower because California has property tax caps.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Austin (8.25%) is higher than in San Bernardino (7.75%). This factor could potentially impact the overall cost of living and should be considered in budget planning.
Income
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$65,311
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$22,624
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
82.2
If you make $50,000 in San Bernardino, you will have to make $58,637 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in Central Texas, close to several lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. San Bernardino, tucked into the eastern end of the Greater Los Angeles Area, is surrounded by hills, mountains, and the Mojave Desert, making it great for those who love outdoor adventures.
Education in Austin is highly rated, with high performing public, charter and private schools. The city is also home to the University of Texas at Austin, providing high-quality higher education. Whereas, San Bernardino also offers a range of public and private schools, with California State University, San Bernardino providing opportunities for higher learning.
Austin's economy is notably robust, with major industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment creating a diverse and growing job market. San Bernardino, while not as economically dynamic as Austin, has a significant logistics and distribution industry due to its strategic location and it's a key player in southern California's economy.
Biggest Employers
Some of the largest employers in Austin include the University of Texas at Austin, Dell and Apple. In San Bernardino, the largest employers include St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Cal State San Bernardino.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 143 building permits issued in San Bernardino in 2012 (119 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Bernardino (San Bernardino County), 52.3% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
2020
71.7%
54.2%
26.5%
43.6%
1.8%
2.2%
2016
65.8%
52.1%
27.2%
41.5%
7.0%
6.4%
2012
60.2%
52.3%
36.2%
45.0%
3.6%
2.6%
2008
63.8%
52.2%
34.4%
45.8%
1.8%
2.0%
2004
56.1%
43.8%
42.1%
55.6%
1.8%
0.6%
2000
41.7%
47.3%
47.0%
48.8%
11.3%
3.9%
1996
52.4%
44.4%
40.0%
43.6%
7.7%
12.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
21.9%
4.5%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
2.2%
22.8%
9.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.1%
2.8%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.6%
0.7%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.2%
2.5%
1.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
2.1%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
1.6%
1.0%
4.6%
Weather
The climates of Austin and San Bernardino significantly differ. Austin is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Occasionally, Austin can have severe storms and rarely - snow. On the other hand, San Bernardino boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and mild, wet winters which provides more comfortable year-round weather in comparison to Austin.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
64.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
65.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
20.5%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
72.2%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
51.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
17.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
27.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
78.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
84.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
62.7%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
4.1 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in San Bernardino, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
San Bernardino
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
Austin
San Bernardino
2018
76
153
N/A
0.33
4.9
15.5
26.7
32.1
0.006
N/A
29.9
N/A
8.7
11.7
0.2
0.4
2017
76
148
N/A
0.40
4.6
15.7
29.7
33.9
0.004
N/A
32.0
N/A
8.3
13.3
0.3
0.3
2016
71
140
N/A
0.52
4.2
15.9
29.5
32.0
0.006
N/A
33.9
N/A
8.2
11.8
0.2
0.3
2015
78
147
N/A
0.49
4.4
15.8
28.9
32.3
0.004
N/A
31.5
N/A
8.6
12.7
0.3
0.3
2014
74
147
N/A
0.47
5.2
16.4
28.3
30.8
0.006
N/A
35.0
N/A
8.7
14.3
0.5
0.3
2013
78
147
0.09
0.42
5.5
17.0
29.5
28.8
0.006
N/A
32.2
N/A
8.6
13.2
0.5
0.3
2012
86
148
0.13
0.44
5.5
18.0
30.1
28.8
0.007
N/A
31.8
N/A
8.6
14.2
N/A
0.4
2011
83
150
0.11
0.35
2.6
18.0
33.0
27.9
0.006
N/A
30.6
N/A
9.1
17.7
N/A
0.4
2010
77
144
0.05
0.36
3.2
18.8
29.4
28.1
0.008
N/A
28.8
N/A
8.8
15.5
N/A
1.1
2009
76
151
0.05
0.35
2.6
20.0
29.7
28.1
0.011
N/A
31.9
N/A
9.0
17.5
N/A
1.2
2008
81
152
0.12
0.39
3.2
20.1
30.7
27.7
0.012
N/A
36.9
N/A
9.7
22.0
N/A
1.2
2007
82
132
0.12
0.49
3.1
22.5
27.1
25.9
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
1.7
2006
89
128
0.14
0.53
3.8
24.5
31.3
25.4
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.2
1.6
2005
92
132
0.15
0.58
4.4
26.8
29.0
24.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.2
2.7
2004
74
140
0.16
0.64
3.3
22.9
26.8
25.0
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.2
2003
85
143
0.26
0.97
4.2
26.9
28.9
24.3
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
1.5
2002
83
140
0.33
0.92
3.9
29.4
27.2
24.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
2001
83
144
0.31
0.81
4.2
30.9
25.5
26.4
0.039
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2000
86
155
0.28
0.86
4.7
30.1
27.8
21.9
0.040
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
15.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
7,481.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
46%
Transportation
Austin and San Bernardino both offer public transportation options. Austin has an extensive bus network and a commuter rail, whereas San Bernardino operates a public bus system and metrolink train service. In terms of commuting, traffic congestion in Austin might be a concern, while San Bernardino, due to its proximity to Los Angeles and interstate highways, has its share of peak traffic times.
Transport
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
80
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Bicycle
0.8%
0.4%
Bus
1.5%
0.7%
Carpooled
7.9%
13.2%
Car alone
85.9%
82.9%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Average
29.9 min
30.8 min
Other means
22.7 min
26.8 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
45.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
85.5%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
10.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
2.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Austin is often seen as more desirable, with its rapidly growing population and economy boosting demand for housing. Conversely, San Bernardino offers more affordable housing options due to the overall higher cost of living in California.
Neighborhoods
Austin neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Cherrywood are popular for their vibrant culture and amenities. San Bernardino's neighborhoods vary, with Nena and Blair Park being highly rated for their family-friendly environment and community spirit.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Houses
469,156
66,188
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.4
Median year apartment built
1997
1978
Median year house/condo built
1988
1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
13.1 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
63,331 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
32,391 (51.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
30,940 (48.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,123
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,342
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$195,043
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$350,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$403,627
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$150,029
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$162,515
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$234,640
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$280,582
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$380,769
Median house age
28
47
Renting percentage
54.9%
49.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
1,125.4
House value disparities
28.4%
26.6%
Household income disparities
44.8%
41.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$92,118
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$67,257
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
127 (0.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
762 (3.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
22,340 (99.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
1,041 (4.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
2.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
San Bernardino
One, detached
43.1%
62.2%
One, attached
5.2%
4.2%
Two
2.4%
0.9%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.2%
4.6%
10 to 19
11.0%
4.5%
20 to 49
8.9%
3.0%
50 or more
17.2%
10.3%
Mobile homes
1.0%
6.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
5,389
State government workers
46,229
4,741
Unpaid family workers
102
290
Industries and Occupations
In Austin, the tech industry dominates, with major players such as Apple, Dell, and IBM offering numerous employment opportunities. In contrast, San Bernardino features a more diverse industrial landscape, with significant sectors including health, education, logistics.
Both Austin and San Bernardino have good healthcare facilities. Austin's top-performing hospitals include St. David's Medical Center and Ascension Seton. In San Bernardino, Loma Linda University Health and Community Hospital of San Bernardino provide quality health services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin boasts well-developed infrastructure, especially in technology and transportation. This city's tech infrastructure supports its booming tech industry, sometimes known as "Silicon Hills." Meanwhile, San Bernardino has a robust transportation infrastructure, with major highways and a regional airport, making it highly accessible for both residents and businesses.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
San Bernardino
Hospitals
65
8
TV stations
20
6
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
264
18
Bank institutions located here
43
8
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
11
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
San Bernardino
1999
4,733
586
2000
2,950
503
2001
2,038
470
2002
1,772
707
2003
2,213
1,513
2004
2,458
2,236
2005
3,121
3,147
2006
3,367
3,423
2007
2,560
1,714
2008
1,747
554
2009
1,067
285
Culture and Food
Austin offers a vibrant cultural scene with a rich music history and a thriving food scene, especially known for its barbecue and Tex-Mex food. San Bernardino, being culturally diverse, offers a wide array of international cuisines and hosts annual events like the famous National Orange Show and Route 66 Rendezvous.
Sports Teams
While Austin doesn't have a significant presence in major league professional sports, its college sports scene is thriving with teams from the University of Texas. San Bernardino hosts minor league baseball, with the San Bernardino Inland Empire 66ers, and is close to Los Angeles, home to several major professional sports teams.
Austin, TX
San Bernardino, CA
Austin, TX and 
San Bernardino, CA : 1,170.8 miles
