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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Bakersfield is 55% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,371/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 21%
$77,397/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 31%
$347,300 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 53%
$1,540/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 32%
408,366
Population
201,504

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $24,263/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Augusta — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Augusta?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Augusta?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $24,263/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 Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Augusta details →

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