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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Bakersfield is 24% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,371/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 34%
$77,397/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 9%
$347,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 38%
$1,540/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 16%
408,366
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $7,220/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $7,220/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Santa Maria details →

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