Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Bakersfield is 6% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $70,794 in Bakersfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Bakersfield sits at 96 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $310,000 in Bakersfield, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,200 in Bakersfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Bakersfield scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Bakersfield (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $57,548 in Bakersfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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