Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Bakersfield is 21% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,371/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 25%
$77,397/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 28%
$347,300 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 40%
$1,540/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 4%
408,366
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $21,289/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Meridian — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Meridian?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Meridian?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $21,289/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Meridian details →

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