Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Bakersfield is 23% cheaper than Cary.

$1,371/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 18%
$77,397/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 67%
$347,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 51%
$1,540/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 13%
408,366
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $52,002/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Cary — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Cary?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Cary?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $52,002/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Cary details →

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