Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Bakersfield is 41% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 44%
$77,397/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 16%
$347,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 120%
$1,540/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 31%
408,366
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $12,769/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $12,769/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Garden Grove details →

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