Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Richmond

California
161

Bakersfield is 35% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 38%
$77,397/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 16%
$347,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 87%
$1,540/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 31%
408,366
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $12,641/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Richmond — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Richmond?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Richmond?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $12,641/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Richmond details →

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