Bakersfield, CA vs Fontana, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bakersfield is 22.1% cheaper than Fontana. With a cost index of 106 vs 136, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bakersfield to Fontana should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month compared to $1,733/month in Fontana — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bakersfield is more affordable at $347,300 median vs $558,500.

Median household income in Bakersfield is $77,397 compared to $98,187 in Fontana (-21.2%). The higher salaries in Fontana partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bakersfield spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Fontana.