Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Bakersfield is 6% cheaper than Eugene.

$1,371/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 2%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 18%
$347,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 25%
$1,540/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 8%
408,366
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,561/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Eugene — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Eugene?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Eugene?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $13,561/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Eugene details →

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