Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Bakersfield is 22% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,371/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 4%
$77,397/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 12%
$347,300 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 77%
$1,540/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 5%
408,366
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $9,019/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Bakersfield or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $9,019/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and East Los Angeles

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo