Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Bakersfield is 66% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,371/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 118%
$77,397/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 124%
$347,300 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 340%
$1,540/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 98%
408,366
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,614/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $19,368/year.

Median household income is $96,273/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,614/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $96,273/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Santa Clara details →

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