Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Bakersfield is 6% more affordable than Henderson. A $75,000 salary in Henderson is equivalent to $70,139 in Bakersfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while Henderson sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $420,000 in Henderson, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,500 in Henderson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bakersfield scores 100 while Henderson scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are higher than Henderson (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $72,238 in Henderson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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