Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Bakersfield is 7% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$1,371/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 11%
$77,397/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 22%
$347,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 3%
$1,540/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 9%
408,366
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $16,792/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $16,792/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,523/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Chesapeake details →

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