Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Bakersfield is 43% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,371/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 52%
$77,397/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 17%
$347,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 122%
$1,540/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 41%
408,366
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $13,186/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Anaheim?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Anaheim?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $13,186/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Anaheim details →

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