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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Irvine

California
256

Bakersfield is 59% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,371/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 111%
$77,397/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 68%
$347,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 221%
$1,540/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 89%
408,366
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,522/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $18,264/year.

Median household income is $52,250/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Irvine — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Irvine?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,522/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Irvine?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $52,250/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Irvine details →

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