Is Bakersfield, CA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Bakersfield, CA is 44.1% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3310 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $110,279.806 in Bakersfield, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Bakersfield, CA is 62.0% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Bakersfield, CA could save you approximately $3310 per month, or $39720 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Bakersfield, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.3K in Bakersfield, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,310

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.7K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.35M

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:

(44% below avg)

Median Home:$343K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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: San Jose, CA vs Bakersfield, CA

Category	San Jose, CA	Bakersfield, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$3,670/mo	↓ $5,998less	62.0%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $305less	16.7%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,660/mo	↑ $253more	18.0%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$484/mo	↓ $223less	31.5%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$911/mo	↓ $218less	19.3%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$489/mo	↑ $24.33more	5.2%

Housing

↓ 62.0%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Difference

$5,998

less

Other

↓ 16.7%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Difference

$305

less

Transportation

↑ 18.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Difference

$253

Healthcare

↓ 31.5%

San Jose, CA

$706

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Difference

$223

less

Groceries

↓ 19.3%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Difference

$218

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.2%

San Jose, CA

$464

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Difference

$24.33

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$775

↓ $1,815

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$778

↓ $2,172

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,013

↓ $2,432

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$1,409

↓ $3,141

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$6,466

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Bakersfield

$1.35M

Median Value

$343K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.7%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$289K - $468K

Homes in Bakersfield are 75% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.