Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Bakersfield is 22% cheaper than Chandler.

$1,371/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 32%
$77,397/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 34%
$347,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$469,800 ↑ 35%
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↑ 13%
408,366
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $26,294/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Chandler — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Chandler?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Chandler?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $26,294/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Chandler details →

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