Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Bakersfield is 7% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $69,495 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bakersfield scores 100 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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