salaryBakersfield is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Chicago to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$1,983
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$1,622
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$84,017
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$334,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
103.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$4,943
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$90
👥 People living there
411,986
2,711,226
Commute to work
23.6 min
33.1 min
College degree
23.6%
44.3%
Own their home
60.6%
46%
Below poverty line
16.3%
16.8%
Unemployment
7%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $66,450 | $103,380 | +56% in Chicago |
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $107,810 | +38% in Chicago |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $127,940 | -35% in Chicago |
| Electrician | $75,860 | $102,350 | +35% in Chicago |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $100,490 | -22% in Chicago |
| Carpenter | $66,540 | $80,440 | +21% in Chicago |
| Nurse Practitioner | $165,580 | $131,740 | -20% in Chicago |
| HVAC Technician | $66,400 | $77,960 | +17% in Chicago |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $61,611 a year gives the same standard of living in Chicago.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Chicago?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $84,017 in Chicago, 3% more in Bakersfield.