Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Bakersfield is 9% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,371/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 14%
$77,397/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 8%
$347,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 8%
$1,540/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ≈ Same
408,366
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $6,095/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Tampa — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Tampa?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Tampa?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $6,095/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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