Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Bakersfield is 29% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,371/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 35%
$77,397/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 95%
$347,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 47%
$1,540/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 40%
408,366
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $73,540/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Naperville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Naperville?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Naperville?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $73,540/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Naperville details →

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