Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Oakland is 88% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,917/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
$97,369/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 21%
$924,700 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 62%
$2,164/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 29%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $19,972/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Oakland or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $19,972/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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