Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Bakersfield is 37% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,371/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 11%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 44%
$1,540/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 26%
408,366
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $13,260/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $13,260/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Pittsburgh details →

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