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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fremont

California
278

Bakersfield is 63% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,371/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 112%
$77,397/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 128%
$347,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 271%
$1,540/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 95%
408,366
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,534/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $18,408/year.

Median household income is $98,953/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fremont — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fremont?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,534/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fremont?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $98,953/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fremont details →

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