Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 0.1% more expensive than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

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

Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, 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.

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	Sacramento, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $289less	16.0%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,660/mo	↑ $239more	16.8%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$911/mo	↓ $148less	14.0%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$484/mo	↓ $136less	21.9%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$489/mo	↓ $41.24less	7.8%
Housing	$3,664/mo	$3,670/mo	↑ $5.47more	0.1%

Other

↓ 16.0%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$289

less

Transportation

↑ 16.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$239

Groceries

↓ 14.0%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$148

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.9%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$136

less

All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$41.24

less

Housing

↑ 0.1%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$5.47

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$775

↓ $915

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$778

↓ $992

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,013

↓ $1,167

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$1,409

↓ $1,491

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$369

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Bakersfield

$460K

Median Value

$343K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 26% less expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento 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

Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, 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.