Bakersfield is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$104
👥 People living there
411,986
830,235
Commute to work
23.6 min
30.4 min
College degree
23.6%
60.3%
Own their home
60.6%
38.2%
Below poverty line
16.3%
11.2%
Unemployment
7%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $69,910 | $123,250 | +76% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $132,000 | +69% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $113,700 | +57% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $186,610 | +45% in San Francisco |
| Operations Manager | $104,460 | $149,990 | +44% in San Francisco |
| Software Developer | $130,330 | $186,640 | +43% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $150,900 | $212,500 | +41% in San Francisco |
| Accountant | $79,620 | $110,730 | +39% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $68,759 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $152,036 in San Francisco, 43% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All Bakersfield comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →