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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Bakersfield is 42% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,371/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 14%
$77,397/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 27%
$347,300 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 51%
$1,540/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 25%
408,366
Population
209,692

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $21,002/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $21,002/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Fayetteville details →

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