47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
64
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Bakersfield wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Bakersfield wins 0–3 overall (64/100)
💰 Bakersfield is more affordable
💼 Bakersfield has lower unemployment
🛡️ Bakersfield has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Bakersfield — The Verdict
Bakersfield scores 64/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Bakersfield has a clear edge with home prices 61% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Bakersfield has a notably lower disaster history with 32 fewer declarations in 20 years. Bakersfield may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Bakersfield are 61% lower — a difference of $502,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Bakersfield saves you $508/month — that's $6,096 per year.
🛡️
Bakersfield has experienced 32 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$320,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,283
Median Income
$76,244
$73,827
The affordability gap is significant — Bakersfield offers home prices 61% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $502,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
5.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
19 Good
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)
54
22
Bakersfield has a markedly lower disaster history — 32 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Bakersfield: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Bakersfield is more affordable overall. Home prices are $502,000 lower in Bakersfield. Monthly rent is $1,283 in Bakersfield vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Bakersfield have better weather?
Bakersfield scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Bakersfield better for finding a job?
Bakersfield currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.5% in Bakersfield. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $73,827 in Bakersfield.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Bakersfield?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Bakersfield is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 22 in Bakersfield. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Bakersfield.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Bakersfield?
Based on our data, Bakersfield scores 64.0/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Bakersfield is more affordable, while Bakersfield 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: April 4, 2026.