Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Bakersfield is 16% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,371/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 17%
$77,397/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 15%
$347,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 6%
$1,540/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 21%
408,366
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $11,652/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Spokane — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Spokane?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Spokane?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $11,652/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Spokane details →

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