Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Bakersfield is 82% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,371/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 31%
$77,397/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 32%
$347,300 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 63%
$1,540/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 40%
408,366
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $25,146/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Evansville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Evansville?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Evansville?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $25,146/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Evansville

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow