Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Salem, OR (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Bakersfield and Salem have a similar cost of living.

$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 4%
$77,397/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 7%
$347,300 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 10%
$1,540/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 6%
408,366
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,497/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Salem — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Salem?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Salem?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $5,497/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Salem details →

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