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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Bakersfield is 47% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,371/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 81%
$77,397/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 55%
$347,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 108%
$1,540/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 72%
408,366
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,115/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $13,380/year.

Median household income is $42,529/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,115/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $42,529/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Santa Clarita details →

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