salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Houston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$1,533
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$1,499
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$69,901
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$277,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
98.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$4,198
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$157
👥 People living there
411,986
2,328,253
Commute to work
23.6 min
27.2 min
College degree
23.6%
36.6%
Own their home
60.6%
42.1%
Below poverty line
16.3%
19.9%
Unemployment
7%
6.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 1 more.
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,320 | $22,080 | -36% in Houston |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $137,240 | -31% in Houston |
| Carpenter | $66,540 | $49,670 | -25% in Houston |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $99,830 | -22% in Houston |
| Electrician | $75,860 | $59,180 | -22% in Houston |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $64,500 | -19% in Houston |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,890 | $38,000 | -19% in Houston |
| Nurse Practitioner | $165,580 | $134,560 | -19% in Houston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Houston cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield and Houston cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Houston to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $58,658 a year gives the same standard of living in Houston.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Houston?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $69,901 in Houston, 24% more in Bakersfield.