Cost of Living: Bakersfield vs Charleston (2026)
A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,300/mo in Bakersfield vs $1,900/mo in Charleston — a 32% difference. Charleston has a lower state income tax rate (6.2% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- 1BR rent: $1,300/mo in Bakersfield vs $1,900/mo — 32% savings
- Higher median household income: Charleston ($68,000/yr vs $56,000/yr)
- Median home price: $330,000 in Bakersfield vs $430,000 — 23% difference
| Category | Bakersfield California | Charleston South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,500 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $1,900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $2,500 |
| Median home price | $330KBest | $430K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 98Best | 99 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $54Best | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55Best | $55 |
| Gas price/gal | $4.50 | $3.20Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $158 | $152Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $140Best | $162 |
| Internet/mo | $63Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $56K | $68KBest |
| State income tax% | 9.3% | 6.2%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.0% | 7.5%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $38Best | $40 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 48Best |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Bakersfield vs Charleston?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Bakersfield is $1,300/month and in Charleston is $1,900/month. Bakersfield is cheaper by 32%.
How much do I need to earn in Charleston to match a $75,000 salary in Bakersfield?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $75,000/year in Charleston to match a $75,000 salary in Bakersfield. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Bakersfield or Charleston?
Charleston has the lower state income tax rate at 6.2% vs 9.3%. The difference is 3.1 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Bakersfield to Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Both cities have similar overall costs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.