Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Bakersfield is 6% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $70,139 in Bakersfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Bakersfield sits at 96 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $310,000 in Bakersfield, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,200 in Bakersfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Bakersfield scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Bakersfield (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $57,548 in Bakersfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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