Bakersfield, CA vs Cary, NC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bakersfield
66.5
#1531 nationally
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Cary leads in crime level (1.9 vs 15.2). Cary leads in median household income ($125,317 vs $73,827). Bakersfield leads in walk score (37 vs 28).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Cary, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 72.1 (#924) |
| Population | 413,381 | 180,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $628,913 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $125,317 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 22.8 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 1.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | D+25.6 |
D
66.5 Score
Bakersfield, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$391,030
Population
413,381
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Bakersfield, CA →
C-
72.1 Score
Cary, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$628,913
Population
180,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Cary, NC →