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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Virginia Beach is 12% more expensive than Bakersfield.

$1,649/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↓ 17%
$90,685/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↓ 15%
$366,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$347,300 ↓ 5%
$1,704/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↓ 10%
457,066
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $13,288/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $13,288/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Virginia Beach or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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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