Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Bakersfield is 5% more expensive than Providence.

$1,371/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 3%
$77,397/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 14%
$347,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 7%
$1,540/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 5%
408,366
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,625/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Providence — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Providence?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Providence?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $10,625/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Rhode Island?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Providence details →

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