Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Norman, OK (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Bakersfield is 37% more expensive than Norman.

$1,371/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 22%
$77,397/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 16%
$347,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 31%
$1,540/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 27%
408,366
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $12,337/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Norman — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Norman?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Norman?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $12,337/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Norman details →

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