CostIndexUSA

Bakersfield, CA vs Idaho Falls, ID Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Bakersfield
100.9
overall index
$1,750/mo rent
More AffordableID
Idaho Falls
94.4
overall index
$1,400/mo rent

Idaho Falls is moderately cheaper than Bakersfield — 6.4% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Bakersfield, you would need $74,800 in Idaho Falls. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing7.0%
Bakersfield
90.3
Idaho Falls
84
🛒 Groceries8.6%
Bakersfield
105.2
Idaho Falls
96.2
🚗 Transportation1.3%
Bakersfield
105.3
Idaho Falls
103.9
🏥 Healthcare1.4%
Bakersfield
95.3
Idaho Falls
94
Utilities56.0%
Bakersfield
158.3
Idaho Falls
69.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Bakersfield to see what you'd need to earn in Idaho Falls to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Idaho Falls, ID
$74,800
$5,200 less needed in Idaho Falls

Formula: salary × (94.4 ÷ 100.9) = salary × 0.9356. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Bakersfield, CA

Median Home Price
$358,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,750
Housing Index
90.3
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.0×

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Home Price
$399,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Housing Index
84
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.8×

Bakersfield has 7.0% lower housing costs compared to Idaho Falls.

Income & Job Market

Bakersfield, CA

Median Household Income
$68,900
Per Capita Income
$39,300
Unemployment Rate
8.4%
Population
384,145
Top Industries
AgricultureEnergyHealthcareLogisticsManufacturing

Idaho Falls, ID

Median Household Income
$75,800
Per Capita Income
$43,200
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
Population
64,818
Top Industries
EnergyHealthcareAgricultureRetailGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Bakersfield, CA
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% of income left after rent (median)

Idaho Falls, ID
4.5×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.