Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than Long Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 35.2% cheaper than Long Beach, CA. This translates to saving $2640 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Long Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $118,316.451 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Long Beach, CA and Bakersfield, CA?

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 52.6% cheaper than in Long Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $2,895/month in Long Beach, CA.

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

Moving from Long Beach, CA to Bakersfield, CA could save you approximately $2640 per month, or $31684 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Long Beach, CA vs Bakersfield, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Long Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.3K in Bakersfield, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,640

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.7K

Per year

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

Long Beach, CA

Population:467K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$976K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(35% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

Long Beach, CA

The Golden State

467K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 467K 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: Long Beach, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	Long Beach, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$3,670/mo	↓ $4,080less	52.6%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,660/mo	↓ $498less	23.1%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $212less	12.2%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$911/mo	↓ $129less	12.4%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$484/mo	↓ $70.31less	12.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$489/mo	↓ $68.56less	12.3%

Housing

↓ 52.6%

Long Beach, CA

$7,749

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$4,080

less

Transportation

↓ 23.1%

Long Beach, CA

$2,158

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$498

less

Other

↓ 12.2%

Long Beach, CA

$1,731

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$212

less

Groceries

↓ 12.4%

Long Beach, CA

$1,040

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$129

less

Healthcare

↓ 12.7%

Long Beach, CA

$554

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$70.31

less

All Utilities

↓ 12.3%

Long Beach, CA

$557

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$68.56

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,070

To$775

↓ $1,295

1 Bed

From$2,320

To$778

↓ $1,542

2 Bed

From$2,895

To$1,013

↓ $1,882

3 Bed

From$3,670

To$1,409

↓ $2,261

Long Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$2,720/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Long Beach, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$5,057

Difference

Home Values

Long Beach

Bakersfield

$976K

Median Value

$343K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +26.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$491K - $1.29M

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 65% less expensive than Long Beach

Calculate payment - Long Beach 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

Long Beach, 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

Long Beach, 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.