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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Temecula

California
179

Bakersfield is 42% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,371/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 68%
$77,397/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 52%
$347,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 84%
$1,540/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 58%
408,366
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $926/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $11,112/year.

Median household income is $40,443/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Temecula — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Temecula?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $926/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Temecula?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $40,443/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Temecula details →

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