Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Bakersfield is 37% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 39%
$77,397/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 39%
$347,300 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 104%
$1,540/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 18%
408,366
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $29,975/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $29,975/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Scottsdale details →

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