Is Denver, CO cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

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

What salary do I need in Denver, 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 Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 11.5% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

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

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

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bakersfield, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Bakersfield, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.2K in Denver, 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

Median Home:$343K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$513K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Denver, CO

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Denver, 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

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$421

less

📦Other

↑ 16.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$255

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.9%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$198

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 30.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$148

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.9%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$118

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.2%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$30.31

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/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$1,720

↑ $945

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,840

↑ $1,062

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$2,190

↑ $1,177

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,870

↑ $1,461

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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 Denver, CO

$67.92

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Denver

$343K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 50% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Denver

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

Denver, 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%

Denver, 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.