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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Ontario

California
152

Bakersfield is 32% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 40%
$77,397/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 7%
$347,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 64%
$1,540/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 28%
408,366
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $5,409/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Ontario — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Ontario?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Ontario?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $5,409/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Ontario

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