Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Bakersfield is 28% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,371/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 11%
$77,397/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 41%
$347,300 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 37%
$1,540/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 17%
408,366
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $32,097/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Hartford — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Hartford?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Hartford?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $32,097/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Hartford

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington