Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Bakersfield is 19% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,371/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 33%
$77,397/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 24%
$347,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 17%
$1,540/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 17%
408,366
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $18,860/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Richardson — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Richardson?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Richardson?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $18,860/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater