Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Los Angeles is 80% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,879/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 27%
$80,366/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 61%
$2,055/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 25%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $2,969/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $2,969/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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