Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Bakersfield is 11% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,371/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 2%
$77,397/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 3%
$347,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 43%
$1,540/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 9%
408,366
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,472/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $2,472/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Salt Lake City details →

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