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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Bakersfield is 25% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,371/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 34%
$77,397/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 55%
$347,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 27%
$1,540/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 36%
408,366
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $42,876/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs McKinney — common questions

Is Bakersfield or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and McKinney?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or McKinney?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $42,876/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View McKinney details →

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