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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Phoenix is 5% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,458/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 6%
$77,041/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,397/yr ≈ Same
$381,900 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 9%
$1,430/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 8%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $356/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Phoenix or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $356/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Phoenix or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Bakersfield

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa