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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Bakersfield is 5% more expensive than Midland.

$1,371/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 3%
$77,397/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 18%
$347,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 14%
$1,540/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 5%
408,366
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,772/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Midland — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Midland?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Midland?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $13,772/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Midland details →

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