Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Bakersfield is 60% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,371/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 33%
$77,397/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 12%
$347,300 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 49%
$1,540/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 30%
408,366
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $9,538/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $9,538/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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