Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Long Beach is 62% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,803/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 24%
$83,969/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 8%
$762,200 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 54%
$1,890/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 19%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $6,572/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Long Beach or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $6,572/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Bakersfield details →

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