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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Sacramento is 27% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,694/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 19%
$83,753/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 8%
$484,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 28%
$1,752/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $6,356/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Sacramento or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $6,356/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Bakersfield details →

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