Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78

Bakersfield is 33% more expensive than Sioux Falls.

$1,371/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$993/mo ↓ 28%
$77,397/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$74,714/yr ↓ 3%
$347,300 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,400 ↓ 22%
$1,540/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,122/mo ↓ 27%
408,366
Population
197,642

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.2%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.28%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Sioux Falls, SD, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $2,683/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $271,400 in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota has no state income tax, giving Sioux Falls residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Sioux Falls — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Sioux Falls?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Sioux Falls it's $993/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Sioux Falls?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $74,714 in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $2,683/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and South Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Sioux Falls?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with rent of $993/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Sioux Falls details →

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