Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than Fresno, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 8.0% more expensive than Fresno, CA. This translates to spending an extra $598 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fresno, CA, you'd need approximately $157,175.394 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 39.8% more expensive than in Fresno, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $1,615/month in Fresno, CA.

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

Living in Bakersfield, CA costs approximately $598 more per month than Fresno, CA, or $7175 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fresno, CA 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 Fresno, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $598/month more in Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.2K in Bakersfield, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$598

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.2K

Per year

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

Fresno, CA

Population:542K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$319K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$343K

Fresno, CA

The Golden State

542K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 542K residents.

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: Fresno, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	Fresno, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,625/mo	$3,670/mo	↑ $1,045more	39.8%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $238less	13.6%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,660/mo	↑ $185more	12.5%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$911/mo	↓ $178less	16.3%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$489/mo	↓ $41.24less	7.8%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$484/mo	↓ $18.26less	3.6%

Housing

↑ 39.8%

Fresno, CA

$2,625

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$1,045

Other

↓ 13.6%

Fresno, CA

$1,758

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$238

less

Transportation

↑ 12.5%

Fresno, CA

$1,475

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$185

Groceries

↓ 16.3%

Fresno, CA

$1,089

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$178

less

All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Fresno, CA

$530

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$41.24

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.6%

Fresno, CA

$502

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$18.26

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,305

To$775

↓ $530

1 Bed

From$1,315

To$778

↓ $537

2 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,013

↓ $602

3 Bed

From$2,245

To$1,409

↓ $836

Fresno, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$2,010/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.

$7,979

Monthly in Fresno, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$754

Difference

Home Values

Fresno

Bakersfield

$319K

Median Value

$343K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +32%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$197K - $504K

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 7% more expensive than Fresno

Calculate payment - Fresno Calculate payment - Bakersfield

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

Fresno, 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

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

Fresno, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.