Bakersfield is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Boston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$3,112
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$2,480
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$104,986
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$731,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
108.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$4,456
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$113
👥 People living there
411,986
666,442
Commute to work
23.6 min
30.3 min
College degree
23.6%
54.9%
Own their home
60.6%
35.7%
Below poverty line
16.3%
16.6%
Unemployment
7%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $69,910 | $102,390 | +46% in Boston |
| Plumber | $66,450 | $96,760 | +46% in Boston |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,400 | $129,180 | +29% in Boston |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $142,410 | -28% in Boston |
| Operations Manager | $104,460 | $133,800 | +28% in Boston |
| Software Developer | $130,330 | $166,090 | +27% in Boston |
| Accountant | $79,620 | $100,150 | +26% in Boston |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $98,060 | +23% in Boston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Boston cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Boston to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $64,389 a year gives the same standard of living in Boston.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Boston?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $104,986 in Boston, 17% more in Boston.