Bakersfield vs Burlington

Category / Metric	Bakersfield	Burlington
Financial Overview
Median Income	$79,355	$68,854
Unemployment Rate	5%	2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$415,000	$486,000
Price per SqFt	$222	$342
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$967	$1,441
Housing Cost Index	88.0	101.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	96.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	478.0	173.3
Bachelor's Degree+	22%	61%
Air Quality (AQI)	64	36

Bakersfield vs. Burlington: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're trying to decide between Bakersfield, California, and Burlington, Vermont. Let’s be real—this isn’t exactly a matchup of apples and apples. This is a classic East Coast vs. West Coast showdown, but with a twist: one is a sprawling agricultural hub in the Central Valley, and the other is a charming, progressive college town nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain.

As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, weighed the lifestyles, and cut through the noise. Whether you’re a young professional chasing opportunities, a family looking for a safe community, or a retiree seeking a peaceful haven, the choice between these two cities is stark. Let’s dive in and find out which one deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: What Are You Signing Up For?

First, let’s talk about the soul of these cities. This is where your gut feeling comes in.

Bakersfield, CA is the definition of a hardworking, no-frills West Coast city. It’s the heart of California’s oil and agriculture industries. The vibe is gritty, authentic, and deeply connected to the land and labor that fuel the state. You’re trading ocean breezes for valley heat and a fast-paced, industrial energy. It’s a city for the hustlers, the blue-collar professionals, and those who want a taste of California without the coastal price tag. Think country music, Kern County Fair, and weekend trips to the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s not flashy, but it’s real.

Burlington, VT is a whole different world. It’s a small, walkable, fiercely progressive city with a massive college-town energy (thanks to UVM). The vibe is laid-back, intellectual, and deeply connected to nature. You’re trading the 24/7 grind for a slower pace, four distinct seasons, and a community that values localism and sustainability. Think craft beer, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor adventures on the lake or in the Green Mountains. It’s a city for the creatives, the academics, and those who prioritize quality of life over sheer scale.

Who is it for?

• Bakersfield is for those who seek affordability in a major state, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and don’t mind the heat.
• Burlington is for those who prioritize safety, walkability, and a strong sense of community, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Farther?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash and what it can actually buy you.

Cost of Living Showdown

Here’s a direct comparison using the data. (Note: National Average is set to 100).

Metric	Bakersfield, CA	Burlington, VT	National Avg
Overall Cost of Living Index	88.0	101.7	100
Median Home Price	$415,000	$551,600	~$340,000
Rent (1BR)	$967	$1,441	~$1,200
Median Income	$79,355	$68,854	~$74,580

Analysis:
Bakersfield is the clear winner on pure affordability. Its cost of living index of 88.0 means it’s roughly 12% cheaper than the national average. Burlington, at 101.7, is slightly more expensive than the U.S. norm.

The rent gap is massive. In Bakersfield, you can rent a 1-bedroom for under $1,000—a figure that’s almost mythical in many U.S. cities today. In Burlington, you’re looking at $1,441, a 49% increase. Over a year, that’s nearly $5,700 more in your housing budget.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

This is the most critical calculation. It’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what your paycheck can buy.

Let’s say you earn the median income in each city:

• In Bakersfield, earning $79,355 with a cost of living 12% below the national average gives you significant purchasing power. Your money stretches further, especially on essentials like groceries and utilities.
• In Burlington, earning $68,854 with a cost of living 1.7% above the national average puts you at a double disadvantage: lower income and higher costs.

The Tax Twist:
Here’s the kicker that often gets missed. California has some of the highest income taxes in the nation (up to 13.3%). Vermont also has a progressive income tax, but its top rate is 8.75%. However, California’s high sales tax (~7.25% in Bakersfield) and notoriously high gas prices add up. Vermont’s property taxes are high, but its sales tax is lower (6%). The tax burden is complex, but for most middle-income earners, California’s overall tax load is heavier.

Verdict on Dollar Power: For the average earner, Bakersfield offers a far better bang for your buck. Your $100k salary in Bakersfield will feel more like $110k in Burlington when you factor in housing and living costs.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?

Bakersfield: The Buyer’s Market

Bakersfield’s median home price of $415,000 is relatively accessible for California. The market is stable, with inventory that, while not overflowing, doesn’t see the frantic bidding wars of coastal cities. It’s a practical market for first-time buyers. Renting is also a viable, affordable option, making it easier to save for a down payment.

Burlington: The Competitive Seller’s Market

Burlington’s median home price of $551,600 is staggering for a city of its size (44,649 population). The demand is intense, driven by a limited housing supply, a desirable location, and its status as a regional hub. This is a classic seller’s market. Bidding wars are common, and finding an affordable home is a major challenge for locals. Renting is also expensive and competitive.

Verdict: If homeownership is your goal, Bakersfield is the more realistic and financially sensible path. Burlington’s market is tough for anyone not already in the game.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

This is where personal preference truly takes over.

Traffic & Commute

• Bakersfield: As a larger, car-dependent city (413k population), traffic is a reality, especially around the CA-99 and CA-58 corridors. Commutes can be long, but it’s manageable for most.
• Burlington: A dream for commuters. The city is highly walkable and bikeable. The majority of commutes are short, and traffic is minimal by comparison. The 20-minute commute is a luxury here.

Weather

• Bakersfield: Brutal summers. Expect 90°F+ for months on end, with temperatures frequently soaring above 100°F. Winters are mild but can be foggy and damp. It’s a dry heat, but don’t underestimate the intensity.
• Burlington: Four true seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (45°F winter average is deceptively mild; that’s the annual average, not winter). Summers are beautiful and mild. You must be prepared for snow, ice, and gray skies for a significant portion of the year.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark, data-driven difference.

• Bakersfield: Violent crime rate of 478.0 per 100k residents. This is more than double the U.S. national average (~380/100k). Property crime is also a concern. While certain neighborhoods are safe, the city-wide statistic is a significant red flag for families and those prioritizing safety.
• Burlington: Violent crime rate of 173.3 per 100k. This is well below the national average and one of the lowest for a city its size in the U.S. It’s consistently ranked as one of America’s safest cities.

Verdict: If safety is a top priority (and for most people, it is), Burlington is the undisputed winner. The difference is not marginal; it’s profound.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins This Showdown?

After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final call.

Winner for Families: Burlington

Why: Safety is the ultimate non-negotiable for most families. Burlington’s low crime rate, excellent schools (driven by the UVM influence), and community-focused vibe make it a nurturing environment. The walkability and access to outdoor activities are huge pluses. The higher cost of living is a trade-off for a safer, healthier upbringing.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Bakersfield

Why: Affordability. The ability to rent a place for under $1,000 while earning a median income of $79k allows for incredible savings, debt repayment, and lifestyle building. The larger population offers more social and professional networking opportunities. It’s a place to hustle, save money, and potentially buy a home early in your career.

Winner for Retirees: Burlington

Why: Quality of life. For retirees on a fixed income, the higher cost of living is a challenge, but the safety, walkability, and low-stress environment are invaluable. The healthcare system is strong, and the community is engaged. The harsh winters can be a dealbreaker, but for those who can handle the cold, it’s a peaceful and rewarding place to spend your golden years.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Bakersfield, CA

Pros:

• Massive affordability (low rent, lower home prices).
• Strong job market in agriculture, energy, and logistics.
• Proximity to mountains and a short drive to LA or the coast.
• No state income tax on Social Security benefits (a retiree perk).
• Sunny, dry weather (for those who love heat).

Cons:

• High violent crime rate.
• Brutal summer heat.
• Air quality can be poor (ozone, particulates).
• Car-dependent with traffic.
• High overall tax burden (income, sales, gas).

Burlington, VT

Pros:

• Extremely low crime rate (one of the safest in the U.S.).
• Walkable, bike-friendly, and scenic downtown.
• Strong sense of community and progressive values.
• Access to world-class outdoor recreation (lake, mountains).
• Excellent local food and craft beverage scene.

Cons:

• Expensive housing market (high home prices and rent).
• Lower median income than the national average.
• Harsh, long winters with significant snowfall.
• Smaller, more limited job market outside of education/healthcare.
• High property taxes.

The Bottom Line: There is no "better" city, only the better city for you.

• Choose Bakersfield if your priority is financial mobility, affordability, and a fast-paced West Coast lifestyle. You’re willing to trade some safety and weather comfort for a much lower cost of living.
• Choose Burlington if your priority is safety, community, and a high quality of life, and you have the budget (or are willing to make the sacrifice) to afford it. You’re trading financial flexibility for peace of mind and a beautiful, walkable environment.

Now, go with your gut—and your budget.