Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Bakersfield and Worcester have a similar cost of living.

$1,371/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 3%
$77,397/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 13%
$347,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 2%
$1,540/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 1%
408,366
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Worcester, MA, 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 $9,853/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Worcester — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Worcester?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Worcester?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $9,853/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Worcester details →

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