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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Bakersfield is 42% more expensive than High Point.

$1,371/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 23%
$77,397/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 21%
$347,300 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 39%
$1,540/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 30%
408,366
Population
115,263

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $16,169/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs High Point — common questions

Is Bakersfield or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and High Point?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or High Point?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $16,169/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 High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View High Point details →

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