Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Bakersfield is 55% more expensive than Independence.

$1,371/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 23%
$77,397/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 23%
$347,300 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 52%
$1,540/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 32%
408,366
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $17,917/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Independence — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Independence?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Independence?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $17,917/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Independence details →

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