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Bakersfield vs Phoenix: which is cheaper?

About the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $61,445 in Phoenix to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$1,893
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$1,729
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$87,717
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$420,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$1,850
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$181
👥 People living there
411,986
1,642,323
Commute to work
23.6 min
25.6 min
College degree
23.6%
33.6%
Own their home
60.6%
57.3%
Below poverty line
16.3%
13.7%
Unemployment
7%
5%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobBakersfieldPhoenixDifference
Server (Waiter/Waitress)$34,320$47,530+38% in Phoenix
Physician Assistant$198,070$134,650-32% in Phoenix
Elementary School Teacher$79,900$59,180-26% in Phoenix
Registered Nurse$128,810$100,830-22% in Phoenix
Electrician$75,860$61,210-19% in Phoenix
Nurse Practitioner$165,580$136,270-18% in Phoenix
Firefighter$72,410$61,780-15% in Phoenix
Pharmacist$161,930$144,490-11% in Phoenix

Frequently asked questions

Is Bakersfield or Phoenix cheaper to live in?

Bakersfield and Phoenix cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.

What salary do I need in Phoenix to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?

About $61,445 a year gives the same standard of living in Phoenix.

Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Phoenix?

The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $87,717 in Phoenix, 1% more in Phoenix.

More comparisons

All Bakersfield comparisons → · All Phoenix comparisons →

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