Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Lincoln, NE (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Lincoln

Nebraska
77

Bakersfield is 35% more expensive than Lincoln.

$1,371/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,045/mo ↓ 24%
$77,397/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$69,991/yr ↓ 10%
$347,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,200 ↓ 29%
$1,540/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,140/mo ↓ 26%
408,366
Population
291,932

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.64%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Lincoln, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $7,406/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $248,200 in Lincoln.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Lincoln — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Lincoln?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Lincoln it's $1,045/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Lincoln?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $69,991 in Lincoln. Median household income is $7,406/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Nebraska?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Lincoln?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,045/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Lincoln details →

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