Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Bakersfield is 54% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,371/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 88%
$77,397/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 74%
$347,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 174%
$1,540/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 77%
408,366
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,209/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $14,508/year.

Median household income is $56,970/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,209/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $56,970/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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