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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Torrance

California
218

Bakersfield is 114% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,371/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 61%
$77,397/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 46%
$347,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 198%
$1,540/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 49%
408,366
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $35,708/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Torrance — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Torrance?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Torrance?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $35,708/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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