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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Houston is 15% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,313/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
$62,894/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 23%
$253,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 37%
$1,316/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 17%
2,300,419
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $14,503/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Houston or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $14,503/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 Houston or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Bakersfield

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa