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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Bakersfield and Durham have a similar cost of living.

$1,371/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 3%
$77,397/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 2%
$347,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 2%
$1,540/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 7%
408,366
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,837/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Durham — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Durham?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Durham?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $1,837/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Durham details →

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