Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Bakersfield is 30% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,371/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 48%
$77,397/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 57%
$347,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 49%
$1,540/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 24%
408,366
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $43,954/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Gilbert?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Gilbert?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $43,954/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Gilbert details →

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