Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Orlando, FL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Bakersfield is 10% cheaper than Orlando.

$1,371/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↑ 20%
$77,397/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 11%
$347,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$359,000 ↑ 3%
$1,540/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↑ 5%
408,366
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $8,129/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Orlando — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Orlando?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Orlando?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $8,129/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Orlando details →

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