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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Bakersfield is 30% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 39%
$77,397/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 23%
$347,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 54%
$1,540/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 30%
408,366
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $17,416/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Jersey City?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Jersey City?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $17,416/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Jersey City details →

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