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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Denver is 41% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,770/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 23%
$91,681/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 16%
$586,700 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 41%
$1,839/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 16%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $14,284/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Denver or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $14,284/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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