Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Portland is 33% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,596/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 14%
$88,792/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 13%
$557,600 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 38%
$1,771/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 13%
642,715
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $11,395/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Portland or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $11,395/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Bakersfield details →

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