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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Bakersfield is 4% more expensive than Newark.

$1,371/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 3%
$77,397/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 37%
$347,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 3%
$1,540/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 8%
408,366
Population
307,188

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
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $28,981/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Newark — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Newark?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Newark?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $28,981/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 Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Newark details →

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