Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Bakersfield is 32% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,371/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 7%
$77,397/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 31%
$347,300 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 46%
$1,540/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 19%
408,366
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $23,994/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Allentown — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Allentown?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Allentown?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $23,994/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Allentown details →

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