Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Colorado Springs is 14% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,562/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 12%
$83,198/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 7%
$420,700 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 17%
$1,592/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 3%
483,099
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $5,801/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $5,801/year higher in Colorado Springs.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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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