Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Atlanta is 17% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,617/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 15%
$81,938/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 6%
$420,600 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 17%
$1,695/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 9%
499,287
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $4,541/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Atlanta or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $4,541/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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