Bakersfield, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Bakersfield has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bakersfield | Santa Maria | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 102 | 122 | Bakersfield |
| Housing | 100 ($960) | 137 ($1,289) | Bakersfield |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 104 ($426) | 113 ($463) | Bakersfield |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 119 ($247) | Bakersfield |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 119 ($178) | Bakersfield |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield, CA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield, CA is cheaper overall by about 20 index points (Bakersfield, CA: 102, Santa Maria, CA: 122; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bakersfield, CA vs Santa Maria, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $35,700/year in Bakersfield, CA and $42,700/year in Santa Maria, CA to cover basic living costs.