Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Bakersfield is 39% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,371/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 16%
$77,397/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 25%
$347,300 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 44%
$1,540/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 24%
408,366
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $19,058/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Killeen — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Killeen?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Killeen?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $19,058/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Killeen details →

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