Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Bakersfield is 5% cheaper than West Valley City.

$1,371/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↑ 5%
$77,397/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↑ 14%
$347,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$377,300 ↑ 9%
$1,540/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 4%
408,366
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $11,207/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Bakersfield or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and West Valley City?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or West Valley City?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $11,207/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View West Valley City details →

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