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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Bakersfield is 17% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,371/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 9%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 22%
$1,540/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 11%
408,366
Population
235,037

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $13,380/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Norfolk?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Norfolk?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $13,380/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 Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Norfolk details →

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