Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Bakersfield is 17% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,371/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 20%
$77,397/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 12%
$347,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 31%
$1,540/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 5%
408,366
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $9,582/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Sparks — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Sparks?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Sparks?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $9,582/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Sparks details →

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