Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 2.1% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $156 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $151,874.918 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Bakersfield, CA?

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 13.0% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in Bakersfield, CA costs approximately $156 more per month than Denver, CO, or $1875 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denver, CO vs Bakersfield, 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 Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $156/month more in Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.9K in Bakersfield, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$156

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$513K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$343K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	Denver, CO	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$3,670/mo	↑ $421more	13.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $255less	14.4%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,660/mo	↑ $198more	13.6%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$484/mo	↓ $148less	23.5%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$911/mo	↓ $118less	11.4%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$489/mo	↓ $30.31less	5.8%

Housing

↑ 13.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$421

Other

↓ 14.4%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$255

less

Transportation

↑ 13.6%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$198

Healthcare

↓ 23.5%

Denver, CO

$632

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$148

less

Groceries

↓ 11.4%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$118

less

All Utilities

↓ 5.8%

Denver, CO

$519

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$30.31

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

To$775

↓ $945

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$778

↓ $1,062

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,013

↓ $1,177

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,409

↓ $1,461

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$67.92

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Bakersfield

$513K

Median Value

$343K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 33% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Bakersfield

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Bakersfield, 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.