Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 8.1% cheaper than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to saving $607 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $142,713.247 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 24.0% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

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

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $607 per month, or $7287 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $607/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.7K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$607

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.3K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$414K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,670/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $881less	24.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $171less	10.3%
📦Other	$1,519/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $158more	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$484/mo	$589/mo	↑ $105more	21.7%
⚡All Utilities	$489/mo	$561/mo	↑ $72.38more	14.8%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$963/mo	↑ $51.89more	5.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.0%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$881

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.3%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$171

less

📦Other

↑ 10.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$158

🏥Healthcare

↑ 21.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$105

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$72.38

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$51.89

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,390

↑ $615

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,510

↑ $732

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,750

↑ $737

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,330

↑ $921

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$665

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Phoenix

$343K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 21% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$449

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Bakersfield, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.