Cost Of Living In Loma Linda, California (Taxes, Housing & More)

Loma Linda is a small town just outside of San Bernardino. Just 60 miles east of Los Angeles and 11 minutes south of downtown San Bernardino, Loma Linda has just over 24,000 residents total that call it home.

With an overall cost of living index at 126.8, it is more expensive than the national average to live and work in Loma Linda. The median home price is $434,048, and the median household income is just $58,259. When it comes to transportation and groceries, the cost of living index in Loma Linda is about on par with the rest of the US.

Healthcare and social assistance are the biggest industries you’ll find in Loma Linda, followed by educational services and retail trade. Wholesale trade and public administration are by far the best paying in the area.

Thinking about moving? Make sure you have all the facts before you dive in!

Loma Linda comes in at one of the more affordable suburbs of San Bernardino to own property, but that doesn’t make it affordable compared to the rest of the United States. With a housing cost of living index at 187.6, it is over 80% more expensive to own property in Loma Linda than the average US city.

The average mortgage payment in Loma Linda is a staggering $3,485, and the housing market is up 22.5% over last year, a significant increase.

Purchasing a home is still difficult for Loma Linda residents, however, as you can see the homeownership rate is so low. This is in part because the median household income is so low compared to the national average, while housing prices are still so high.

Good news for those that are considering purchasing a home in Loma Linda – despite the high property values, the tax rate is lower than the national average. In San Bernardino County, the average county tax rate is 0.810%, less than the national average of 1.070%.

This means if a home was valued at the median value of $434,048, homeowners could expect to pay about $3,516 annually for their property tax. While this is still a high number, it’s less than what you would spend at the national average, which sits at $4,644.

The utility cost of living index in Loma Linda is 107.8, which means it’s higher than the national average to maintain your home.

For the average 915 square foot apartment, residents can expect to pay approximately $193/month for all basic utilities. This includes heating, cooling, water, and garbage. The average high-speed internet bill is $63/month.

The average residential electricity rates in Loma Linda are 15.98¢/kWh, which is greater than the California average of 15.34¢/kWh. This is also higher than the national average of 11.88¢/kWh.

Loma Linda has several different public transit options for residents looking to travel. OmniTrans is the most commonly used and is a bus system provided by the Los Angeles Rapid Transit Authority. The lines run between San Bernardino, Riverside, Loma Linda, and Los Angeles, as well as other cities within the area.

To ride an OmniTrans bus is just $2 for a single ride, $6 for a full day, $20 for a 7-day pass, and $60 for a 31-day pass. For youth 18 and under, 7-day passes are discounted to $15 and 31-day passes are just $45.

Reduced fare for veterans, seniors, or those disabled drops the single ride pass down to $0.90, the 1-day pass to just $2.75, the 7-day pass to $9, and the 31-day pass to $30.

Being located so close to San Bernardino and Los Angeles, there is never a shortage of things to do in Los Linda and the surrounding areas. Redlands Bowl, a famous amphitheater, is located just outside of Loma Linda and was founded in 1924. A major music festival happens there every summer, and admission is free.

Just a short drive away, you can rent ARVs, 4 wheelers, jet skis, and more for outdoor activities. Prices start as low as $199 for a half-day jet ski rental and can go as high as $500 for a full day of a 4-wheeler rental. Loma Linda is close to deserts and plenty of outdoor space, so it’s the perfect setting if you love being outside.

There are 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools in Loma Linda. The public schools serve less than 1,000 students per academic year, but regularly rank within the top 10% of California schools.

The student: teacher ratio in Loma Linda public schools is 26:1, which is higher than the California average of 23:1 and the national average of 16:1.

Loma Linda is also home to Loma Linda University, a Seventh-day Adventists Health Sciences University. Loma Linda University offers more than 100 degrees and certifications.

The average academic year tuition for an undergraduate attending Loma Linda University is $35,180, up over 3% from the previous year.

After all the financials are in, are you still thinking about moving to Loma Linda? Loma Linda has a small-town feel, but is close enough to other major cities to still provide everything you would need.

While there isn’t an overabundance of things to see or do within the city itself, if you don’t mind a short drive or bus ride, you have many more possibilities.

Whether you’re thinking of moving for work, school, or you just want to be near Los Angeles without the LA price tag, Loma Linda could be a great choice for your family. Just be sure you understand all the hidden costs!