Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Seattle is 88% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,998/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 31%
$121,984/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 37%
$912,100 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 62%
$2,220/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 31%
741,440
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $44,587/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Seattle or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $44,587/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Bakersfield

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