Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Bakersfield is 14% more affordable than New Haven. A $75,000 salary in New Haven is equivalent to $64,195 in Bakersfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Connecticut salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bakersfield has a housing index of 96 while New Haven sits at 137 (national average = 100). The median home in Bakersfield costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in New Haven, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Bakersfield versus $1,400 in New Haven.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Bakersfield scores 100 while New Haven scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield (99) are lower than New Haven (114).
Median household income in Bakersfield is $57,548 compared to $42,158 in New Haven. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Bakersfield.
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