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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Bakersfield is 33% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,371/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 47%
$77,397/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 16%
$347,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 61%
$1,540/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 34%
408,366
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $12,099/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Vallejo?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Vallejo?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $12,099/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Vallejo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bakersfield and Vallejo

Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa Vallejo vs. Meridian Vallejo vs. Round Rock Vallejo vs. Palm Bay Vallejo vs. Concord Vallejo vs. Allentown Vallejo vs. Arvada