salaryBakersfield is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,018
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,407
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$86,862
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$371,700
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.9
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,619
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$203
$168
👥 People living there
411,986
990,138
Commute to work
23.6 min
27.3 min
College degree
23.6%
47.3%
Own their home
60.6%
55.8%
Below poverty line
16.3%
8.1%
Unemployment
7%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Bakersfield for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Bakersfield | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $72,410 | $152,100 | +110% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $69,910 | $141,960 | +103% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $150,900 | $301,320 | +100% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $78,130 | $136,140 | +74% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $128,810 | $216,740 | +68% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $130,330 | $213,110 | +64% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $66,450 | $107,560 | +62% in San Jose |
| Operations Manager | $104,460 | $163,860 | +57% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,018 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Bakersfield?
About $65,672 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Bakersfield or San Jose?
The typical household earns $86,862 in Bakersfield and $157,922 in San Jose, 45% more in San Jose.