Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Stockton, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Stockton

California
115

Bakersfield is 10% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,371/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 9%
$77,397/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,851/yr ≈ Same
$347,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 19%
$1,540/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ≈ Same
408,366
Population
320,470

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $546/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Stockton — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Stockton?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Stockton?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $546/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Stockton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Stockton

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando