Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Bakersfield is 11% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,371/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 2%
$77,397/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 27%
$347,300 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 27%
$1,540/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 4%
408,366
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,813/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $20,813/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Bridgeport details →

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