Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Bakersfield is 17% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 40%
$77,397/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 21%
$347,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 14%
$1,540/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 3%
408,366
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $15,974/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Surprise — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Surprise?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Surprise?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $15,974/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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