Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Bakersfield, CA?

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 52.6% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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

Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, 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.

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$885K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(35% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	Los Angeles, 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%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$4,080

less

Transportation

↓ 23.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$498

less

Other

↓ 12.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$212

less

Groceries

↓ 12.4%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$129

less

Healthcare

↓ 12.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$70.31

less

All Utilities

↓ 12.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$68.56

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$775

↓ $1,135

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$778

↓ $1,357

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,013

↓ $1,647

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$1,409

↓ $1,961

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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 Los Angeles, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$5,057

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Bakersfield

$885K

Median Value

$343K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 61% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.