Available industrial space in the coastal counties are between 40% (for warehouses/distribution) to more than 100% (for R&D/flexible spaces) more expensive than in the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area. Lower vacancy rates in the coastal counties also mean fewer choices in general. Industrial spaces in the County of San Bernardino tend to be more modern, have better amenities, and feature easier access to major highways and arteries.
Labor costs in the County of San Bernardino tend to be lower than those in the coastal counties. Many of the residents who commute to the coastal counties for work are willing to accept lower pay for jobs closer to home. Despite accepting less money, County residents still benefit because of the even greater differential in the cost of living, which means that residents actually enjoy higher net disposable incomes and higher standards of living.
For instance, the median home resale price in the County of San Bernardino is about one-third of that in Orange County and one-half of that in Los Angeles County (8/2009 data). The average apartment rent is 27% and 32% lower, respectively (2009Q1 data). Most residents also enjoy more open spaces and less traffic congestion than their peers in the coastal counties.