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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Bakersfield is 53% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,371/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 62%
$77,397/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 34%
$347,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 201%
$1,540/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 52%
408,366
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $26,381/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Pasadena?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Pasadena?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $26,381/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Pasadena details →

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