Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Fresno is 3% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,324/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
$66,804/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 16%
$348,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$347,300 ≈ Same
$1,391/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 11%
543,615
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,593/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Fresno or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $10,593/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Bakersfield details →

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