Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Plano, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Bakersfield is 21% cheaper than Plano.

$1,371/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 31%
$77,397/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 40%
$347,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 27%
$1,540/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 19%
408,366
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $31,252/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Plano — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Plano?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Plano?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $31,252/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Plano details →

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