Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Bakersfield is 54% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,371/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 77%
$77,397/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 55%
$347,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 202%
$1,540/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 58%
408,366
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,053/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $12,636/year.

Median household income is $42,488/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,053/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $42,488/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Huntington Beach

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Huntington Beach vs. Overland Park Huntington Beach vs. Peoria Huntington Beach vs. Sioux Falls Huntington Beach vs. Knoxville Huntington Beach vs. Grand Rapids Huntington Beach vs. Vancouver