Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Bakersfield is 59% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,371/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 55%
$77,397/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 40%
$347,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 289%
$1,540/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 52%
408,366
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $31,161/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Berkeley?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $756/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Berkeley?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $31,161/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Berkeley details →

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