Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Clarksville, TN (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Bakersfield is 25% more expensive than Clarksville.

$1,371/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↓ 11%
$77,397/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↓ 14%
$347,300 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$236,100 ↓ 32%
$1,540/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↓ 19%
408,366
Population
171,897

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Clarksville, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $10,611/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clarksville is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Clarksville?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Clarksville?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $10,611/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Clarksville details →

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