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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Bakersfield is 18% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,371/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 2%
$77,397/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 12%
$347,300 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 33%
$1,540/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 13%
408,366
Population
137,334

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,639/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Hampton — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Hampton?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Hampton?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $9,639/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Hampton details →

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