Is Fresno, CA cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fresno, CA is 7.4% cheaper than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to saving $554 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $143,354.435 in Fresno, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and Fresno, CA?

Housing in Fresno, CA is 28.5% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,615/month in Fresno, CA compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

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

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Fresno, CA could save you approximately $554 per month, or $6646 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Fresno, CA: 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 $554/month moving to Fresno, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Fresno, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$554

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

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

Fresno, CA

Population:542K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$319K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Fresno, CA

The Golden State

542K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 542K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Fresno, CA

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Fresno, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,670/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $1,045less	28.5%
Other	$1,519/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $238more	15.7%
Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,475/mo	↓ $185less	11.1%
Groceries	$911/mo	$1,089/mo	↑ $178more	19.5%
All Utilities	$489/mo	$530/mo	↑ $41.24more	8.4%
Healthcare	$484/mo	$502/mo	↑ $18.26more	3.8%

Housing

↓ 28.5%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Fresno, CA

$2,625

Difference

$1,045

less

Other

↑ 15.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Fresno, CA

$1,758

Difference

$238

Transportation

↓ 11.1%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Fresno, CA

$1,475

Difference

$185

less

Groceries

↑ 19.5%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Fresno, CA

$1,089

Difference

$178

All Utilities

↑ 8.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Fresno, CA

$530

Difference

$41.24

Healthcare

↑ 3.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Fresno, CA

$502

Difference

$18.26

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,305

↑ $530

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,315

↑ $537

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,615

↑ $602

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,245

↑ $836

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Fresno, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$2,010/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

$7,979

Monthly in Fresno, CA

$754

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Fresno

$343K

Median Value

$319K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.9%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +32%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$197K - $504K

Homes in Fresno are 7% less expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Fresno

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Fresno, 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

Additional Tax Information

Bakersfield, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fresno, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.