Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 43.0% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3225 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $111,300.715 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 62.4% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA could save you approximately $3225 per month, or $38699 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.3K in Bakersfield, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,225

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.7K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.25M

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(43% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	San Francisco, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,771/mo	$3,670/mo	↓ $6,102less	62.4%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,660/mo	↓ $498less	23.1%
Other	$1,875/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $356less	19.0%
Groceries	$1,159/mo	$911/mo	↓ $248less	21.4%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$484/mo	↓ $223less	31.5%
All Utilities	$448/mo	$489/mo	↑ $40.73more	9.1%

Housing

↓ 62.4%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$6,102

less

Transportation

↓ 23.1%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$498

less

Other

↓ 19.0%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$356

less

Groceries

↓ 21.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$248

less

Healthcare

↓ 31.5%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$223

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.1%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$40.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$775

↓ $1,685

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$778

↓ $2,172

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,013

↓ $2,557

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$1,409

↓ $3,151

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$7,385

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Bakersfield

$1.25M

Median Value

$343K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 72% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.