Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Bakersfield is 41% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,371/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 22%
$77,397/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 22%
$347,300 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 36%
$1,540/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 29%
408,366
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $16,814/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Little Rock?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Little Rock?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $16,814/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Arkansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Little Rock details →

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