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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Bakersfield is 6% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 4%
$77,397/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 19%
$347,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 6%
$1,540/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 11%
408,366
Population
227,595

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $14,726/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Richmond — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Richmond?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Richmond?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $14,726/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Richmond details →

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