Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Bakersfield is 60% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,371/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 22%
$77,397/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 24%
$347,300 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 58%
$1,540/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 32%
408,366
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $18,214/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Kansas City?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Kansas City?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $18,214/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Kansas City details →

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