Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Bakersfield is 68% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,371/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 24%
$77,397/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 43%
$347,300 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 60%
$1,540/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 36%
408,366
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $33,021/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Birmingham?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Birmingham?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $33,021/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Birmingham details →

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