Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Pueblo, CO (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

Bakersfield is 44% more expensive than Pueblo.

$1,371/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 26%
$77,397/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 29%
$347,300 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$230,900 ↓ 34%
$1,540/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 34%
408,366
Population
111,514

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Pueblo, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $22,092/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Pueblo — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Pueblo?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Pueblo?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $22,092/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Pueblo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Pueblo

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Pueblo vs. Murrieta Pueblo vs. Miami Gardens Pueblo vs. Downey Pueblo vs. Everett Pueblo vs. Peoria Pueblo vs. Costa Mesa