Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City
74
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Oklahoma City is 29% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,083/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 27%
$66,702/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 16%
$215,100 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 61%
$1,133/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 36%
688,693
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oklahoma City, OK and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Oklahoma City, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $10,695/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oklahoma City is $215,100 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Oklahoma City has a lower income tax rate, making Oklahoma City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma City vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Oklahoma City or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oklahoma City is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oklahoma City and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,083/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Oklahoma City or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $66,702 in Oklahoma City and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $10,695/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Oklahoma City or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Oklahoma City has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,083/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 Oklahoma City details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

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