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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Bakersfield is 15% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,371/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 25%
$77,397/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 26%
$347,300 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 10%
$1,540/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 16%
408,366
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $19,790/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Round Rock 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 Round Rock?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Round Rock?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $19,790/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Round Rock details →

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