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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Bakersfield is 38% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,371/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 60%
$77,397/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 32%
$347,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 71%
$1,540/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 45%
408,366
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $820/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $9,840/year.

Median household income is $24,924/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fairfield?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $820/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fairfield?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $24,924/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fairfield details →

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