Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

San Antonio is 21% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,258/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 9%
$62,917/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 23%
$219,700 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 58%
$1,235/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 25%
1,458,954
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $14,480/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving San Antonio residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is San Antonio or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Bakersfield?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $14,480/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Bakersfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Bakersfield

San Antonio vs. Philadelphia San Antonio vs. San Diego San Antonio vs. Phoenix San Antonio vs. Dallas San Antonio vs. Houston San Antonio vs. San Jose Bakersfield vs. Tulsa Bakersfield vs. Wichita Bakersfield vs. Minneapolis Bakersfield vs. Arlington Bakersfield vs. Oakland Bakersfield vs. Tampa