Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Akron, OH (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Bakersfield is 89% more expensive than Akron.

$1,371/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 32%
$77,397/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 37%
$347,300 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 68%
$1,540/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 41%
408,366
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $28,853/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Akron — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Akron?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Akron?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $28,853/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Akron details →

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