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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fontana

California
146

Bakersfield is 29% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 26%
$77,397/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 27%
$347,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 61%
$1,540/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 29%
408,366
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $20,790/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fontana — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fontana?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fontana?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $20,790/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Fontana

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester