Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Yonkers, NY (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Yonkers

New York
133

Bakersfield is 22% cheaper than Yonkers.

$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,730/mo ↑ 26%
$77,397/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$81,816/yr ↑ 6%
$347,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$478,000 ↑ 38%
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,759/mo ↑ 14%
408,366
Population
209,529

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Yonkers, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 133 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $4,419/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $478,000 in Yonkers.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Yonkers slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Yonkers — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Yonkers cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Yonkers?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Yonkers it's $1,730/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Yonkers?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $81,816 in Yonkers. Median household income is $4,419/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Yonkers?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with rent of $1,730/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Yonkers details →

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