Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Bakersfield is 10% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $67,634 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bakersfield scores 100 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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