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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Bakersfield is 13% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,371/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 18%
$77,397/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,643/yr ≈ Same
$347,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 21%
$1,540/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
408,366
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $246/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Tempe — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Tempe?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Tempe?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $246/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Tempe details →

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