Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Bakersfield is 8% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,371/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 30%
$77,397/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$78,137/yr ≈ Same
$347,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 6%
$1,540/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↓ 2%
408,366
Population
220,453

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $740/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $740/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Port St. Lucie details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Port St. Lucie

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Port St. Lucie vs. Tacoma Port St. Lucie vs. Spring Valley Port St. Lucie vs. San Bernardino Port St. Lucie vs. Huntsville Port St. Lucie vs. Hialeah Port St. Lucie vs. Modesto