Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Chicago is 4% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,380/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ≈ Same
$75,134/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 3%
$315,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 10%
$1,502/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 3%
2,707,648
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,263/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Chicago or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $2,263/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
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More Comparisons

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