Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Bakersfield is 25% more expensive than Athens.

$1,371/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 15%
$77,397/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 33%
$347,300 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 22%
$1,540/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 24%
408,366
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $25,742/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Athens — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Athens?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Athens?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $25,742/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Athens details →

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