Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Bakersfield is 28% cheaper than Kent.

$1,371/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 34%
$77,397/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 17%
$347,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 55%
$1,540/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 24%
408,366
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $13,019/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Kent — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Kent?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Kent?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $13,019/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Kent details →

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