Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Bakersfield is 19% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,371/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 19%
$77,397/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 16%
$347,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 35%
$1,540/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 10%
408,366
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $12,641/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Charleston — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Charleston?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Charleston?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $12,641/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Charleston details →

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