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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Raleigh is 6% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,468/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
$82,424/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 6%
$377,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 8%
$1,487/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 4%
470,763
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $5,027/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Raleigh or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $5,027/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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