Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Bakersfield is 5% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $71,462 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bakersfield scores 100 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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