Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 22.5% cheaper than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to saving $1689 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $129,729.191 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 46.9% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

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

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1689 per month, or $20271 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $1.7K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.7K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 22.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,689

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.3K

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:77

Median Home:$176K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,670/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,721less	46.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $472less	28.4%
🏥Healthcare	$484/mo	$582/mo	↑ $98.81more	20.4%
📦Other	$1,519/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $71.04more	4.7%
⚡All Utilities	$489/mo	$503/mo	↑ $13.91more	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$919/mo	↑ $7.92more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.9%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,721

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$472

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 20.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$98.81

📦Other

↑ 4.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$71.04

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$13.91

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$7.92

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

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$1,030

↑ $255

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,170

↑ $392

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,360

↑ $347

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$1,760

↑ $351

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$2,001

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Indianapolis

$343K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 49% less expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$482

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

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

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Bakersfield, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.