Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 22.0% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1651 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $130,182.229 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Diego, CA and Bakersfield, CA?

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 29.7% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA could save you approximately $1651 per month, or $19818 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.2K in Bakersfield, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 22.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,651

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.8K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$980K

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(22% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	San Diego, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,223/mo	$3,670/mo	↓ $1,554less	29.7%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $372less	19.7%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$911/mo	↓ $168less	15.5%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$484/mo	↓ $155less	24.2%
All Utilities	$634/mo	$489/mo	↓ $145less	22.9%
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,660/mo	↑ $89.08more	5.7%

Housing

↓ 29.7%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$1,554

less

Other

↓ 19.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$372

less

Groceries

↓ 15.5%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$168

less

Healthcare

↓ 24.2%

San Diego, CA

$638

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$155

less

All Utilities

↓ 22.9%

San Diego, CA

$634

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$145

less

Transportation

↑ 5.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$89.08

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$775

↓ $1,790

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$778

↓ $1,977

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,013

↓ $2,347

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$1,409

↓ $3,066

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$2,304

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Bakersfield

$980K

Median Value

$343K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 65% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.