Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Bakersfield is 17% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,371/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 16%
$77,397/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 8%
$347,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 31%
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 13%
408,366
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $6,460/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Tacoma?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $6,460/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Tacoma details →

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