Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Bakersfield is 124% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,371/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 75%
$77,397/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 42%
$347,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 204%
$1,540/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 60%
408,366
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,024/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $12,288/year.

Median household income is $32,676/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,024/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $32,676/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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