Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Bakersfield is 7% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,371/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 7%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 13%
$1,540/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ≈ Same
408,366
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $13,523/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $13,523/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Elizabeth details →

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