Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than Riverside, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 4.0% cheaper than Riverside, CA. This translates to saving $302 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Riverside, CA, you'd need approximately $146,378.128 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 4.6% more expensive than in Riverside, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $2,400/month in Riverside, CA.

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

Moving from Riverside, CA to Bakersfield, CA could save you approximately $302 per month, or $3622 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $302/month moving to Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.4K in Bakersfield, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$302

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.6K

Per year

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

Riverside, CA

Population:315K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$621K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

Riverside, CA

The Golden State

315K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 315K 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: Riverside, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	Riverside, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,660/mo	↓ $498less	23.1%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $205less	11.9%
Housing	$3,508/mo	$3,670/mo	↑ $161more	4.6%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$911/mo	↓ $128less	12.3%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$489/mo	↓ $68.56less	12.3%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$484/mo	↓ $67.83less	12.3%

Transportation

↓ 23.1%

Riverside, CA

$2,158

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$498

less

Other

↓ 11.9%

Riverside, CA

$1,724

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$205

less

Housing

↑ 4.6%

Riverside, CA

$3,508

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$161

Groceries

↓ 12.3%

Riverside, CA

$1,039

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$128

less

All Utilities

↓ 12.3%

Riverside, CA

$557

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$68.56

less

Healthcare

↓ 12.3%

Riverside, CA

$551

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$67.83

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$775

↓ $1,075

1 Bed

From$1,940

To$778

↓ $1,162

2 Bed

From$2,400

To$1,013

↓ $1,387

3 Bed

From$3,180

To$1,409

↓ $1,771

Riverside, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$2,650/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.

$9,539

Monthly in Riverside, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$806

Difference

Home Values

Riverside

Bakersfield

$621K

Median Value

$343K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +34.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$550K - $748K

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 45% less expensive than Riverside

Calculate payment - Riverside 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

Riverside, 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

Riverside, 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.