Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Dallas is 7% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,403/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 2%
$67,760/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 14%
$295,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 18%
$1,409/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 9%
1,299,553
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,637/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Dallas or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $9,637/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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