Chicago, IL vs Bakersfield, CA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Chicago and Bakersfield are closely matched markets (homes within 9% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences. State income-tax burden also tilts toward Chicago — a top rate of 5.0% versus 13.3% — which compounds at higher incomes.
Median Home Value
$315,200 ✓
$347,300
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$391,442
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,371/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
60.1%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
21.1x
Median Household Income
$75,134
$77,397 ✓
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$32,956
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
7.0% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
16.0%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
25.3 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
80.4%
Public Transit %
19.3%
0.6%
Work From Home %
18.3%
7.2%
State Income Tax
5.0%
13.3%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.7% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
0.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
15.1%
Median Age
35.7
31.9
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
—
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
8.6"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
Bakersfield, CA 4 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →