salaryAustin is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Bakersfield to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,932
$2,018
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,941
$1,407
💵 Families earn per year
$101,010
$86,862
🔑 Buying a house
$555,300
$371,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.1
100.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$8,024
$3,619
⚡ Electric bill per month
$134
$203
👥 People living there
979,539
411,986
Commute to work
23.7 min
23.6 min
College degree
59.6%
23.6%
Own their home
43.4%
60.6%
Below poverty line
12%
16.3%
Unemployment
4.7%
7%
Bottom line
- Pick Austin for lower rent, higher incomes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Bakersfield for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes, shorter commutes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Austin | Bakersfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $134,550 | $198,070 | +47% in Bakersfield |
| Carpenter | $50,260 | $66,540 | +32% in Bakersfield |
| Registered Nurse | $97,890 | $128,810 | +32% in Bakersfield |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,270 | $79,900 | +30% in Bakersfield |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,050 | $165,580 | +29% in Bakersfield |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $27,260 | $34,320 | +26% in Bakersfield |
| Electrician | $60,390 | $75,860 | +26% in Bakersfield |
| Firefighter | $58,830 | $72,410 | +23% in Bakersfield |
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Austin is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,932 a month there versus $2,018 in Bakersfield.
What salary do I need in Bakersfield to match $60,000 in Austin?
About $61,725 a year gives the same standard of living in Bakersfield.
Where do people earn more, Austin or Bakersfield?
The typical household earns $101,010 in Austin and $86,862 in Bakersfield, 16% more in Austin.