Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Bakersfield is 32% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,371/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
$77,397/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 34%
$347,300 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 36%
$1,540/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 17%
408,366
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $26,058/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Springfield — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Springfield?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Springfield?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $26,058/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Springfield details →

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