Bakersfield, CA vs Modesto, CA

Bakersfield is moderately more affordable than Modesto, with a 11.5% lower cost of living index. Bakersfield scores 106 compared to 120 for Modesto, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Modesto can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bakersfield is more affordable at $347,300 median vs $415,600.

Median household income in Bakersfield is $77,397 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (-0.6%). Modesto does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bakersfield spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, less than the 24.8% in Modesto.