Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Bakersfield, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 13.6% cheaper than Bakersfield, CA. This translates to saving $1021 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Bakersfield, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Bakersfield, CA, you'd need approximately $137,744.04 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bakersfield, CA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 32.7% cheaper than in Bakersfield, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,013/month in Bakersfield, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bakersfield, CA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $1021 per month, or $12256 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bakersfield, CA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bakersfield, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oxnard, CA area

Current salary in Bakersfield, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.7K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,021

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Bakersfield, CA

Population:413K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$343K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$512K

Bakersfield, CA

The Golden State

413K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 413K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Bakersfield, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Bakersfield, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,670/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $1,201less	32.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,660/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $376less	22.6%
📦Other	$1,519/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $188more	12.4%
🏥Healthcare	$484/mo	$601/mo	↑ $117more	24.3%
⚡All Utilities	$489/mo	$546/mo	↑ $57.63more	11.8%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.89more	5.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.7%

Bakersfield, CA

$3,670

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$1,201

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.6%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,660

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$376

less

📦Other

↑ 12.4%

Bakersfield, CA

$1,519

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$188

🏥Healthcare

↑ 24.3%

Bakersfield, CA

$484

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$117

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.8%

Bakersfield, CA

$489

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$57.63

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Bakersfield, CA

$911

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$47.89

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,570

↑ $795

1 Bed

From$778

To$1,640

↑ $862

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,800

↑ $787

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$2,255

↑ $846

Bakersfield, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,710/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,733

Monthly in Bakersfield, CA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$1,166

Difference

Home Values

Bakersfield

Raleigh

$343K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +40.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$289K - $468K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 49% more expensive than Bakersfield

Calculate payment - Bakersfield Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Bakersfield, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Bakersfield, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.