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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Boston is 69% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$2,093/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 34%
$94,755/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 18%
$710,400 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 51%
$2,176/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $722/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $8,664/year.

Median household income is $17,358/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Boston or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $722/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $17,358/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Bakersfield

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa