Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Bakersfield is 21% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $59,180 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bakersfield scores 100 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
Amazon affiliate links