Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Bakersfield is 12% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 4%
$77,397/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 13%
$347,300 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 17%
$1,540/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
408,366
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $10,370/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Rochester — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Rochester?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Rochester?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $10,370/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Rochester details →

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