Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Bakersfield is 24% cheaper than Allen.

$1,371/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 37%
$77,397/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 67%
$347,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 24%
$1,540/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 35%
408,366
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $51,733/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Allen — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Allen?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Allen?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $51,733/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Allen details →

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