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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Bakersfield is 58% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,371/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 22%
$77,397/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 26%
$347,300 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 54%
$1,540/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 33%
408,366
Population
113,710

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Beaumont, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $19,867/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Beaumont?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Beaumont?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $19,867/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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Beaumont details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Beaumont

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Beaumont vs. Springfield Beaumont vs. Gresham Beaumont vs. Odessa Beaumont vs. Las Cruces Beaumont vs. Elgin Beaumont vs. Lansing