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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Bakersfield is 20% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 27%
$77,397/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 5%
$347,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 25%
$1,540/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 19%
408,366
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $3,754/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Palmdale?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Palmdale?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $3,754/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Palmdale details →

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