Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Bakersfield is 43% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,371/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 67%
$77,397/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 41%
$347,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 100%
$1,540/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 51%
408,366
Population
174,693

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $915/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $10,980/year.

Median household income is $32,114/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $915/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $32,114/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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