Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Bakersfield is 6% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta 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: Georgia salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Bakersfield sits at 96 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $310,000 in Bakersfield, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,200 in Bakersfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Bakersfield scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Bakersfield (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $57,548 in Bakersfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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