Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Bakersfield is 5% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,371/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 5%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 11%
$1,540/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 4%
408,366
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $13,409/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Bakersfield or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $13,409/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View San Bernardino details →

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