Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Denton, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Bakersfield is 4% more expensive than Denton.

$1,371/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 2%
$77,397/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 5%
$347,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 6%
$1,540/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 5%
408,366
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,678/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Denton — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Denton?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Denton?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $3,678/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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