Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Bakersfield is 44% more expensive than Waco.

$1,371/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 20%
$77,397/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 34%
$347,300 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 43%
$1,540/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 29%
408,366
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $25,929/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Waco — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Waco?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Waco?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $25,929/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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