Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Bakersfield is 16% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,371/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 24%
$77,397/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 2%
$347,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 18%
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 13%
408,366
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $1,314/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Lancaster?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Lancaster?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $1,314/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Lancaster details →

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