Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Bakersfield is 79% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,371/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 26%
$77,397/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 44%
$347,300 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 69%
$1,540/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 38%
408,366
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $34,159/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Jackson — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Jackson?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Jackson?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $34,159/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Mississippi?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Jackson details →

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