Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Bakersfield is 27% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,371/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 5%
$77,397/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 21%
$347,300 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 34%
$1,540/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 25%
408,366
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $16,450/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Lakeland?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Lakeland?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $16,450/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Lakeland details →

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