Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Modesto

California
120

Bakersfield is 13% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,371/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 17%
$77,397/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,899/yr ≈ Same
$347,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 20%
$1,540/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 5%
408,366
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $502/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Modesto — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Modesto?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Modesto?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $502/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Modesto details →

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