Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Bakersfield is 8% cheaper than Anchorage.

$1,371/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 6%
$77,397/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 27%
$347,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$375,900 ↑ 8%
$1,540/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↑ 10%
408,366
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $20,755/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Anchorage?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Anchorage?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $20,755/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between California and Alaska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Anchorage details →

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