Bakersfield is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Irvine to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$3,405
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$3,344
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$147,451
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$1,191,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$9,543
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$113
👥 People living there
411,986
311,690
Commute to work
23.6 min
24.7 min
College degree
23.6%
70.6%
Own their home
60.6%
44.5%
Below poverty line
16.3%
10.8%
Unemployment
7%
5.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Irvine for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $121,980 | +56% in Irvine |
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $98,050 | +35% in Irvine |
| Lawyer | $150,900 | $194,410 | +29% in Irvine |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $101,860 | +27% in Irvine |
| Software Developer | $130,330 | $160,920 | +23% in Irvine |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,400 | $121,560 | +21% in Irvine |
| Operations Manager | $104,460 | $125,830 | +20% in Irvine |
| Market Research Analyst | $69,910 | $82,990 | +19% in Irvine |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $3,405 in Irvine.
What salary do I need in Irvine to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $67,541 a year gives the same standard of living in Irvine.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Irvine?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $147,451 in Irvine, 41% more in Irvine.