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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Bakersfield is 47% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,371/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 55%
$77,397/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 35%
$347,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 148%
$1,540/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 46%
408,366
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $26,822/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fullerton?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fullerton?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $26,822/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fullerton details →

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