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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

San Jose is 144% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$2,617/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 48%
$141,565/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 45%
$1,187,800 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 71%
$2,775/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 45%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,246/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $14,952/year.

Median household income is $64,168/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is San Jose or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Bakersfield?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $1,246/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $64,168/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Bakersfield details →

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