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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Bakersfield is 49% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,371/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 66%
$77,397/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 81%
$347,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 149%
$1,540/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 57%
408,366
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $62,763/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Arlington — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Arlington?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $62,763/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Arlington details →

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