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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Fort Worth is 7% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,412/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 3%
$76,602/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 1%
$277,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 25%
$1,489/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 3%
941,311
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, 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 $795/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $795/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 Fort Worth or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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.
View Fort Worth details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Worth and Bakersfield

Fort Worth vs. Jacksonville Fort Worth vs. Columbus Fort Worth vs. Austin Fort Worth vs. Charlotte Fort Worth vs. San Jose Fort Worth vs. Indianapolis Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa