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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Bakersfield is 20% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,371/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 6%
$77,397/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 14%
$347,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 30%
$1,540/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 14%
408,366
Population
184,774

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $10,679/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Newport News — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Newport News?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Newport News?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $10,679/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 Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Newport News details →

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