Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Jacksonville is 12% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,375/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ≈ Same
$66,981/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 16%
$266,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 31%
$1,324/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 16%
961,739
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,416/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $10,416/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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