Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Bakersfield is 15% cheaper than Reno.

$1,371/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 6%
$77,397/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 1%
$347,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 44%
$1,540/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 4%
408,366
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $1,051/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Reno — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Reno?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Reno?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $1,051/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Reno details →

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