Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Bakersfield is 58% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,371/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 26%
$77,397/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 22%
$347,300 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 50%
$1,540/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 35%
408,366
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs McAllen — common questions

Is Bakersfield or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and McAllen?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or McAllen?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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