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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Bakersfield is 25% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 4%
$77,397/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 6%
$347,300 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 40%
$1,540/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 19%
408,366
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,367/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Odessa — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Odessa?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Odessa?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $4,367/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Odessa details →

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