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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Visalia

California
104

Bakersfield and Visalia have a similar cost of living.

$1,371/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 2%
$77,397/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 3%
$347,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 2%
$1,540/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↓ 2%
408,366
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,555/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Visalia — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Visalia?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Visalia?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $2,555/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Visalia details →

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