salaryBakersfield is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Riverside to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$2,420
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$2,020
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$98,192
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$584,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
106.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$3,428
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$163
👥 People living there
411,986
319,069
Commute to work
23.6 min
31.3 min
College degree
23.6%
25.7%
Own their home
60.6%
56.8%
Below poverty line
16.3%
12.2%
Unemployment
7%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Riverside for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | Riverside | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $101,870 | +30% in Riverside |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $98,520 | +23% in Riverside |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $165,490 | -16% in Riverside |
| Civil Engineer | $99,300 | $115,120 | +16% in Riverside |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,800 | $42,450 | +12% in Riverside |
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $79,160 | +9% in Riverside |
| Dental Hygienist | $114,380 | $105,730 | -8% in Riverside |
| Carpenter | $66,540 | $70,880 | +7% in Riverside |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $2,420 in Riverside.
What salary do I need in Riverside to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $63,304 a year gives the same standard of living in Riverside.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or Riverside?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $98,192 in Riverside, 12% more in Riverside.