Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Bakersfield is 14% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,371/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 9%
$77,397/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 6%
$347,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 19%
$1,540/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 10%
408,366
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $4,342/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Bakersfield or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and St. Paul?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or St. Paul?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $4,342/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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