Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Mesa is 3% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,478/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
$78,779/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 2%
$364,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 5%
$1,404/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 10%
507,478
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $1,382/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Mesa or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $1,382/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

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