Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Bakersfield is 32% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,371/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 31%
$77,397/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 47%
$347,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 73%
$1,540/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 26%
408,366
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $35,999/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Arvada — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Arvada?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Arvada?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $35,999/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Arvada details →

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