salaryBakersfield is 11% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$131
👥 People living there
411,986
1,389,526
Commute to work
23.6 min
23.5 min
College degree
23.6%
51%
Own their home
60.6%
47.3%
Below poverty line
16.3%
11%
Unemployment
7%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $110,400 | +41% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $130,330 | $163,270 | +25% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,800 | $46,440 | +23% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,900 | $97,000 | +21% in San Diego |
| Accountant | $79,620 | $96,340 | +21% in San Diego |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,400 | $119,090 | +19% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $150,900 | $178,220 | +18% in San Diego |
| Physician Assistant | $198,070 | $165,160 | -17% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $66,543 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or San Diego?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $116,561 in San Diego, 25% more in San Diego.