Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Bakersfield is 58% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,371/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 29%
$77,397/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 29%
$347,300 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 47%
$1,540/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 34%
408,366
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $22,118/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Bakersfield or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and St. Louis?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or St. Louis?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $22,118/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View St. Louis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and St. Louis

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage