Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Bakersfield is 14% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,371/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ≈ Same
$77,397/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 19%
$347,300 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 23%
$1,540/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 15%
408,366
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,608/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making North Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Bakersfield or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and North Charleston?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or North Charleston?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $14,608/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View North Charleston details →

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