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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Bakersfield is 40% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,371/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 52%
$77,397/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 26%
$347,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 97%
$1,540/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 38%
408,366
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $20,013/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $20,013/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Santa Rosa details →

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