64
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Oklahoma City wins 2–2 overall (74/100)
💰 Oklahoma City is more affordable
💼 Oklahoma City has lower unemployment
🛡️ Bakersfield has fewer disasters
📋 Bakersfield vs Oklahoma City — The Verdict
It's a close call — Bakersfield (64/100) and Oklahoma City (74.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Oklahoma City has a clear edge with home prices 39% lower. Oklahoma City has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.6%. For safety-conscious movers, Bakersfield has a notably lower disaster history with 13 fewer declarations in 20 years. Oklahoma City may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Oklahoma City are 39% lower — a difference of $123,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Oklahoma City saves you $271/month — that's $3,252 per year.
💵
Households in Bakersfield earn $9,576 more per year (15% higher median income).
📊
Oklahoma City has a 1.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Bakersfield has experienced 13 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$320,600
$196,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,283
$1,012
Median Income
$73,827
$64,251
The affordability gap is significant — Oklahoma City offers home prices 39% lower than Bakersfield, translating to $123,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.6%
Oklahoma City has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.9 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
19 Good
0
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
22
35
Bakersfield has a markedly lower disaster history — 13 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Bakersfield to Oklahoma City: Common Questions
Is Bakersfield or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma City is more affordable overall. Home prices are $123,900 lower in Oklahoma City. Monthly rent is $1,012 in Oklahoma City vs $1,283 in Bakersfield.
Does Bakersfield or Oklahoma City have better weather?
Oklahoma City scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Bakersfield or Oklahoma City better for finding a job?
Oklahoma City currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Bakersfield vs 3.6% in Oklahoma City. Median household income is $73,827 in Bakersfield and $64,251 in Oklahoma City.
Which city is safer — Bakersfield or Oklahoma City?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Bakersfield is safer. Bakersfield has had 22 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 35 in Oklahoma City. Bakersfield scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Oklahoma City.
Should I move from Bakersfield to Oklahoma City?
Based on our data, Oklahoma City scores 74.5/100 vs Bakersfield's 64.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Oklahoma City is more affordable, while Oklahoma City has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: May 25, 2026.