Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Bakersfield is 6% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield 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: California salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bakersfield scores 100 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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