Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Bakersfield is 24% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,371/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 21%
$77,397/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 8%
$347,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 58%
$1,540/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 10%
408,366
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $6,201/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $6,201/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fort Collins details →

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