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

Bakersfield

California

104

Arlington

Texas

Bakersfield is 9% more expensive than Arlington.

$1,371/mo ↓ 1%

Median Rent

$1,389/mo ↑ 1%

$77,397/yr ↑ 5%

Median Income

$73,519/yr ↓ 5%

$347,300 ↑ 26%

Home Value

$276,400 ↓ 20%

$1,540/mo ↑ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,420/mo ↓ 8%

408,366

Population

394,769

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

7.25%

Sales Tax

6.25%

0.71%

Property Tax

1.6%

Affordability

21.3%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,878/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Arlington — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Arlington cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 104 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Arlington?

Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $18/month.

Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Arlington?

Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $3,878/year higher in Bakersfield.

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 Arlington?

It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.