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

Bakersfield

California

104

Victorville

California

111

Bakersfield is 7% cheaper than Victorville.

$1,371/mo ↓ 13%

Median Rent

$1,568/mo ↑ 14%

$77,397/yr ↑ 10%

Median Income

$70,663/yr ↓ 9%

$347,300 ↑ 1%

Home Value

$342,500 ↓ 1%

$1,540/mo ↓ 4%

Owner Costs

$1,612/mo ↑ 5%

408,366

Population

135,983

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

26.6%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Victorville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $6,734/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $342,500 in Victorville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Victorville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Victorville cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 111 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Victorville?

Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Victorville it's $1,568/month — a difference of $197/month.

Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Victorville?

Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $70,663 in Victorville. Median household income is $6,734/year higher in Bakersfield.

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 Victorville?

It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Victorville has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,568/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.