Is Aurora, CO cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Aurora, CO is 2.0% cheaper than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to saving $153 per month.

What salary do I need in Aurora, CO to live like I do in Bakersfield, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $148,163.344 in Aurora, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and Aurora, CO?

Housing in Aurora, CO is 11.5% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Aurora, CO compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bakersfield, CA to Aurora, CO?

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Aurora, CO could save you approximately $153 per month, or $1837 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Aurora, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Bakersfield, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $153/month moving to Aurora, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.2K in Aurora, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$153

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$343K

Aurora, CO

Population:395K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$431K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 413K residents.

Aurora, CO

The Centennial State

395K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 395K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Aurora, CO

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Aurora, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,670/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $421less	11.5%
Other	$1,519/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $255more	16.8%
Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $198less	11.9%
Healthcare	$484/mo	$632/mo	↑ $148more	30.7%
Groceries	$911/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $118more	12.9%
All Utilities	$489/mo	$519/mo	↑ $30.31more	6.2%

Housing

↓ 11.5%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Aurora, CO

$3,248

Difference

$421

less

Other

↑ 16.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Aurora, CO

$1,774

Difference

$255

Transportation

↓ 11.9%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Aurora, CO

$1,462

Difference

$198

less

Healthcare

↑ 30.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Aurora, CO

$632

Difference

$148

Groceries

↑ 12.9%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Aurora, CO

$1,029

Difference

$118

All Utilities

↑ 6.2%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Aurora, CO

$519

Difference

$30.31

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Aurora, CO: Aurora Head Tax ($2/mo, negligible)$24.00/yr (0.0%)

Bakersfield, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,685

↑ $910

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,795

↑ $1,017

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$2,140

↑ $1,127

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,805

↑ $1,396

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Aurora, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,270/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$8,665

Monthly in Aurora, CO

$67.92

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Aurora

$343K

Median Value

$431K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +18.4%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$353K - $728K

Homes in Aurora are 26% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Aurora

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Bakersfield, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Aurora, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Bakersfield, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Aurora, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.