Question 1

Is Aurora or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Bakersfield, CA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $378/month less than in Aurora, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,089/mo in Aurora versus $1,483/mo in Bakersfield.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Aurora vs Bakersfield?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,500/year before tax in Aurora, CO and $77,000/year in Bakersfield, CA — a difference of about $7,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Aurora or Bakersfield cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Bakersfield, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $11,530/month in Aurora and $10,022/month in Bakersfield, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Aurora or Bakersfield?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Bakersfield costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Aurora51	Bakersfield63
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,507	$4,129
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,530	$10,022
Salary for comfort	$84,500/yr	$77,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,089	$1,483
Median home value	$444,500	$347,300
Median household income	$84,320	$77,397
Unemployment	4.2%	6.2%
Housing score	35	65
Jobs score	40	33
Safety score	30	54
Climate score	74	90
Amenities score	47	47
Population	390.2K	408.4K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 17°	97° / 39°

Aurora, CO vs Bakersfield, CA