Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Bakersfield is 4% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,371/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 4%
$77,397/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 17%
$347,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$350,300 ≈ Same
$1,540/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 11%
408,366
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $13,497/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Wilmington?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Wilmington?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $13,497/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Wilmington details →

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