Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Indianapolis is 29% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,112/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 23%
$62,995/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 23%
$207,000 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 68%
$1,124/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 37%
882,043
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $14,402/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $14,402/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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