Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Bakersfield is 9% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,371/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 5%
$77,397/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 31%
$347,300 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 28%
$1,540/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 1%
408,366
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $23,626/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs New Haven — common questions

Is Bakersfield or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and New Haven?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or New Haven?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $23,626/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View New Haven details →

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