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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Riverside

California
144

Bakersfield is 28% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,371/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 32%
$77,397/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 14%
$347,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 56%
$1,540/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 22%
408,366
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $11,178/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Riverside — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Riverside?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Riverside?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $11,178/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Riverside details →

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