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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Bakersfield is 65% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,371/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 30%
$77,397/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 22%
$347,300 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 51%
$1,540/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 38%
408,366
Population
266,235

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
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $17,104/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $17,104/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 Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with rent of $959/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fort Wayne details →

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