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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Bakersfield is 17% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,371/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 3%
$77,397/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 7%
$347,300 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 35%
$1,540/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 10%
408,366
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,554/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Mesquite?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Mesquite?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $5,554/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Mesquite details →

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