salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Mesa to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$1,826
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$1,712
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$89,248
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$408,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$1,604
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$168
👥 People living there
411,986
511,764
Commute to work
23.6 min
24.7 min
College degree
23.6%
32.5%
Own their home
60.6%
64.4%
Below poverty line
16.3%
10.3%
Unemployment
7%
4.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes, shorter commutes.
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, higher incomes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,320 | $47,530 | +38% in Mesa |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $134,650 | -32% in Mesa |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $59,180 | -26% in Mesa |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $100,830 | -22% in Mesa |
| Electrician | $75,860 | $61,210 | -19% in Mesa |
| Nurse Practitioner | $165,580 | $136,270 | -18% in Mesa |
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $61,780 | -15% in Mesa |
| Pharmacist | $161,930 | $144,490 | -11% in Mesa |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield and Mesa cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $61,445 a year gives the same standard of living in Mesa.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Mesa?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $89,248 in Mesa, 3% more in Mesa.