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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Glendale

California
214

Bakersfield is 51% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,371/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 53%
$77,397/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 9%
$347,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 201%
$1,540/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 44%
408,366
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $6,865/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Glendale — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Glendale?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Glendale?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $6,865/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Glendale details →

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