Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Downey

California
169

Bakersfield is 38% cheaper than Downey.

$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 38%
$77,397/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 13%
$347,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 110%
$1,540/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 30%
408,366
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $521/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,252/year.

Median household income is $10,003/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Downey — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Downey?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $521/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Downey?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $10,003/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Downey details →

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