In San Bernardino, general construction cost ranges for commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects are influenced by regional labor rates, material price volatility, and permit-related expenses. While specific dollar figures are reserved for detailed cost tables, contractors and construction managers should anticipate moderate upward pressure on overall project budgets due to rising material and labor costs, as well as evolving regulatory and permitting environments.
Prevailing wage determinations for San Bernardino County reflect incremental increases in trade labor, journeyman, and subcontractor rates. These adjustments include allocations for basic hourly wages, health and welfare, pension, vacation, and other fringe benefits. Notably, effective mid‑2025, paperhanging work sees a significant wage adjustment, indicating targeted cost shifts in specific trades. These trends underscore the importance of monitoring prevailing wage determinations for accurate labor budgeting.
Equipment rental rates—whether daily, weekly, or monthly—are subject to market demand, availability, and logistical factors. In San Bernardino, equipment hire costs are influenced by regional demand cycles, proximity to supply hubs, and transportation logistics. Contractors should plan for variable equipment hire pricing and consider long‑term rental agreements or early booking to manage cost exposure.
San Bernardino County’s housing market remains a key economic driver. From January 2024 to January 2025, the median sale price of existing single‑family homes rose approximately 10%, outpacing statewide growth. Concurrently, housing permit issuance dropped by about 25%, reflecting a slowdown in new residential starts and potential softening in construction demand. These dynamics suggest that while housing values remain elevated, construction activity may face headwinds from reduced permit flow and cautious developer sentiment. Contractors and construction managers should monitor these trends closely when planning project pipelines and resource allocation.
At the regional level, construction employment in the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario area has shown a gradual decline in building‑construction payrolls from mid‑2024 through mid‑2025, indicating a modest contraction in activity. This trend may reflect broader economic pressures, including high interest rates and cost inflation, which are dampening private development. However, public-sector construction remains more resilient, supported by infrastructure and institutional investments. These economic signals are critical for contractors evaluating market opportunities and adjusting cost strategies.
