Is Sacramento, CA cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Sacramento, CA is 4.2% more expensive than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to spending an extra $314 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $153,773.739 in Sacramento, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Sacramento, CA is 0.1% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

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

Living in Sacramento, CA costs approximately $314 more per month than Bakersfield, CA, or $3774 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Sacramento, 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 spend $314/month more in Sacramento, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.8K in Sacramento, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$314

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.8K

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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

104

(4% above avg)

Median Home:$460K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Sacramento, CA

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Sacramento, CA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,519/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $289more	19.0%
Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $239less	14.4%
Groceries	$911/mo	$1,059/mo	↑ $148more	16.2%
Healthcare	$484/mo	$620/mo	↑ $136more	28.1%
All Utilities	$489/mo	$530/mo	↑ $41.24more	8.4%
Housing	$3,670/mo	$3,664/mo	↓ $5.47less	0.1%

Other

↑ 19.0%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Difference

$289

Transportation

↓ 14.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Difference

$239

less

Groceries

↑ 16.2%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Difference

$148

Healthcare

↑ 28.1%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Sacramento, CA

$620

Difference

$136

All Utilities

↑ 8.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Sacramento, CA

$530

Difference

$41.24

Housing

↓ 0.1%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Difference

$5.47

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,690

↑ $915

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,770

↑ $992

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$2,180

↑ $1,167

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,900

↑ $1,491

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$369

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Sacramento

$343K

Median Value

$460K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -2.7%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +18.2%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$352K - $969K

Homes in Sacramento are 34% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Sacramento

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

Sacramento, 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%

Sacramento, 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.