Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Detroit is 49% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,034/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 33%
$39,575/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 96%
$76,800 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 352%
$868/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 77%
636,644
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $37,822/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Detroit or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $37,822/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and California?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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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