Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Bakersfield is 23% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,371/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 41%
$77,397/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 78%
$347,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 17%
$1,540/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 28%
408,366
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $60,114/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $60,114/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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