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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Orange

California
206

Bakersfield is 50% cheaper than Orange.

$1,371/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 64%
$77,397/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 51%
$347,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 159%
$1,540/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 55%
408,366
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $881/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $10,572/year.

Median household income is $39,548/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Orange — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Orange?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $881/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Orange?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $39,548/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Orange details →

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