Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 75.4% more expensive than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to spending an extra $5658 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $217,892.535 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and San Francisco, CA?

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 166.3% more expensive than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

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

Living in San Francisco, CA costs approximately $5658 more per month than Bakersfield, CA, or $67893 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs San Francisco, 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 $5.7K/month more in San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $217.9K in San Francisco, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 75.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$5,658

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$67.9K

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

175

(75% above avg)

Median Home:$1.25M

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Bakersfield, CA	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,670/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $6,102more	166.3%
Transportation	$1,660/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $498more	30.0%
Other	$1,519/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $356more	23.4%
Groceries	$911/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $248more	27.2%
Healthcare	$484/mo	$706/mo	↑ $223more	46.1%
All Utilities	$489/mo	$448/mo	↓ $40.73less	8.3%

Housing

↑ 166.3%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$6,102

Transportation

↑ 30.0%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

$498

Other

↑ 23.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$356

Groceries

↑ 27.2%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$248

Healthcare

↑ 46.1%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

$223

All Utilities

↓ 8.3%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$40.73

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$2,460

↑ $1,685

1 Bed

From$778

To$2,950

↑ $2,172

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$3,570

↑ $2,557

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$4,560

↑ $3,151

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,385

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

San Francisco

$343K

Median Value

$1.25M

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

Homes in San Francisco are 264% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - San Francisco

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

San Francisco, 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%

San Francisco, 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.