Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Bakersfield is 26% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 27%
$77,397/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 11%
$347,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 58%
$1,540/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 12%
408,366
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $8,392/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Lakewood?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Lakewood?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $8,392/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Lakewood details →

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