Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Bakersfield is 30% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,371/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 16%
$77,397/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 28%
$347,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 30%
$1,540/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 24%
408,366
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $21,744/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Columbia — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Columbia?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Columbia?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $21,744/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Columbia details →

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