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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Bakersfield is 10% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,371/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 22%
$77,397/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 28%
$347,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 2%
$1,540/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 10%
408,366
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $21,718/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Carrollton?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Carrollton?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $21,718/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Carrollton details →

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