Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Chula Vista, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Bakersfield is 42% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,371/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 55%
$77,397/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 36%
$347,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 101%
$1,540/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 52%
408,366
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $27,776/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $27,776/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Chula Vista details →

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