Both Oakland and Bakersfield are significant cities in California, each unique with a blend of cultures, landscapes and economies. Oakland has a more urban feel and a diversified economy, while Bakersfield boasts a more relaxed pace of life and a significant presence in the agriculture and energy sectors. However, when considered for relocation or travel, aspects such as cost of living, safety, climate, job opportunities, and lifestyle amenities should be evaluated.
Distance between
Oakland, CA and
Bakersfield, CA : 244.6 miles
Oakland's population is larger by 6%. Its population has grown by 34,339 people (8.6%) since 2000. The population of Bakersfield has grown by 160,558 people (65.0%) during that time.
The crime aspect is one of the distinctive differences between Oakland and Bakersfield. While neither city is totally devoid of crime, Oakland has historically struggled with higher crime rates, particularly violent crime. On the other hand, Bakersfield, a less populated and milder city, has lower crime rates, making it safer than most cities in California. It is always recommended for both residents and visitors to stay informed and be cautious, regardless of the location.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 967 registered sex offenders living in Oakland and 1,149 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oakland is 434 to 1; the ratio in Bakersfield is 328 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Oakland than in Bakersfield.
Cost of Living
Oakland is significantly more expensive in regard to cost of living compared to Bakersfield, primarily due to housing costs. Everything from groceries to healthcare tends to be pricier in Oakland. Conversely, Bakersfield provides a more affordable living option with lower housing, grocery, and healthcare costs, making it an appealing option for families and retirees.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax, which means the rate of income tax is the same in both cities, ranging from 1% to a top rate of 13.3%, depending on income levels.
Property Tax
In California, the property tax is determined by the county, not the city. In Oakland (Alameda County), the average property tax rate is about 0.79% of the property's assessed value. In Bakersfield (Kern County), the average property tax rate is lower, about 0.69%.
Sales Tax
As part of California, both cities have the state sales tax rate of 7.25%. However, Oakland has a higher local tax, adding up to a total sales tax of 9.25%, while Bakersfield has a slightly lower total sales tax of 7.25%.
Income
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Estimated median household income
$82,236
$66,666
Estimated per capita income
$49,966
$29,363
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.7
92.6
If you make $50,000 in Bakersfield, you will have to make $68,413 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oakland offers stunning geographical variety, with proximity to both mountains and the ocean, giving residents access to several outdoor activities. Bakersfield, located at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, is encircled by mountain ranges and is not far from the desert, providing a unique mix of geographical settings.
Both cities have access to good public and private schools. Oakland has a broad range of prestigious schools and universities, while Bakersfield is home to California State University, Bakersfield and several community colleges. Adult education and vocational programs are strong in both locations.
Oakland has a fairly diversified economy, with healthcare, tech, and trade jobs being some of the biggest sectors. It is also near Silicon Valley, providing opportunities at tech giants like Google and Apple. Bakersfield is an agricultural and energy powerhouse, with many oilfield and farming jobs, but it also has opportunities in healthcare, education, and retail.
Biggest Employers
In Oakland, the largest employers are Kaiser Permanente, the city government, and the local school district. Meanwhile, Bakersfield's biggest employers include Kern School District, The Giumarra Companies (an international network of fresh produce growers), and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
There were 114 building permits issued in Oakland in 2012 (73 more than in 2011) compared to 1,121 building permits issued in Bakersfield in 2012 (699 more than in 2011).
In Oakland (Alameda County), 78.9% voted for Democrats and 18.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Bakersfield (Kern County), 40.3% voted for Democrats and 57.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
2020
79.8%
43.7%
17.6%
53.9%
2.6%
2.4%
2016
78.2%
40.4%
14.6%
53.1%
7.2%
6.5%
2012
78.9%
40.3%
18.2%
57.0%
3.0%
2.7%
2008
78.8%
40.1%
19.3%
57.9%
2.0%
1.9%
2004
75.5%
32.7%
23.4%
67.0%
1.1%
0.3%
2000
69.6%
36.3%
24.2%
60.8%
6.2%
2.9%
1996
65.8%
36.6%
23.1%
53.8%
11.2%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.3%
29.3%
4.9%
4.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.0%
0.5%
2.5%
0.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.5%
3.2%
10.9%
12.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.3%
2.5%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.0%
1.7%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.0%
2.3%
0.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.6%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.6%
1.4%
2.9%
Weather
California weather varies greatly from city to city. Oakland, due to its close proximity to the San Francisco Bay, boasts a Mediterranean-like climate with mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. On the other hand, Bakersfield experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild to cold, moderately wet winters. In general, Oakland's weather is considered more temperate and conducive for outdoor activities year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Temperature - Average
59.1°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.2%
53.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
90.9%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
61.9%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
23.5 in
6.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.9%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
80.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
31.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
89.5%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
58.4%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Oakland, California
Average climate in Bakersfield, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
Bakersfield
Oakland
Bakersfield
Oakland
2018
105
135
0.46
0.28
13.0
12.3
20.9
32.3
0.012
0.004
53.7
N/A
13.7
15.7
0.4
N/A
2017
100
141
0.48
0.29
13.5
12.7
21.2
32.9
0.008
0.004
68.2
N/A
11.3
15.8
0.5
N/A
2016
80
127
0.41
0.27
12.9
11.7
20.3
31.0
0.005
0.004
N/A
N/A
7.9
14.5
0.9
N/A
2015
93
144
0.43
0.29
14.5
11.8
20.6
32.2
0.004
0.003
N/A
N/A
9.5
16.2
0.8
N/A
2014
90
141
0.42
0.28
14.7
13.3
20.6
31.5
0.005
N/A
53.0
N/A
9.1
17.9
0.5
N/A
2013
89
134
0.39
0.30
15.2
14.3
18.0
31.0
0.004
0.003
N/A
N/A
11.6
21.7
0.5
N/A
2012
87
145
0.38
N/A
13.7
14.6
18.7
32.4
0.003
0.004
N/A
N/A
8.5
17.2
0.7
N/A
2011
94
126
0.32
N/A
14.4
15.0
18.5
29.3
0.003
0.004
43.9
N/A
10.1
17.8
1.1
N/A
2010
90
147
0.21
N/A
14.4
14.4
19.4
29.3
0.013
0.003
39.2
N/A
8.4
17.2
1.0
N/A
2009
99
170
0.22
0.37
15.2
16.6
19.0
28.0
0.006
0.005
41.5
N/A
11.3
20.8
1.3
N/A
2008
110
171
0.29
0.48
15.1
17.4
20.1
27.8
0.006
N/A
57.0
N/A
12.4
22.7
1.0
N/A
2007
100
167
0.41
0.55
13.4
18.5
21.3
26.2
0.006
0.007
43.0
N/A
9.5
23.0
1.1
N/A
2006
106
157
0.47
0.56
13.8
19.2
22.6
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.4
18.0
1.3
N/A
2005
97
165
0.56
0.53
13.3
19.3
15.3
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.6
21.5
1.4
N/A
2004
107
163
0.51
0.51
14.3
19.9
15.3
27.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
21.3
1.8
N/A
2003
82
170
0.63
0.56
16.1
21.2
15.8
29.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.4
1.7
N/A
2002
81
170
0.69
0.60
18.8
22.5
16.7
26.9
0.008
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.5
1.6
N/A
2001
87
150
0.70
0.73
17.2
18.2
12.7
29.6
0.008
0.006
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2000
78
130
0.84
0.77
17.1
23.4
11.8
28.8
0.012
0.006
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.8%
2.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,647.7%
7,870.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
29%
Transportation
Oakland benefits from multiple methods of public transportation including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), buses, ferries, and bikes. Bakersfield, meanwhile, has the Get Bus public transit service and easy highway access for commuters. However, many residents find owning a vehicle necessary for convenient commuting in Bakersfield.
Transport
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
154
433
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Bicycle
1%
0.2%
Bus
3.2%
0.3%
Carpooled
12.6%
8.7%
Car alone
72.2%
87.4%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.3%
Streetcar
2.3%
0%
Subway
0.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
5.5%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Average
33.6 min
21.5 min
Other means
29 min
22.2 min
Public transportation
45.3 min
44.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.1%
89.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.2%
6.2%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Oakland's real estate market is competitive, with home prices significantly higher than the national average, partly due to its proximity to the high-cost San Francisco market and the tech industry. Bakersfield, on the other hand, is much more affordable, with home prices well below the state's average.
Neighborhoods
Oakland is known for its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, each with its unique cultural flavor and architectural styles like Rockridge, Montclair, and Lake Merritt. Bakersfield offers a mix of suburban and rural living with neighborhoods like Stockdale Estates and Rosedale winning praises for their community spirit and family-friendly environment.
Houses and residents
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Houses
186,660
134,270
Average household size (people)
2.5
3.1
Median year apartment built
1958
1984
Median year house/condo built
1943
1994
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.4 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
170,366 (91.3%)
128,007 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
72,661 (42.7%)
78,398 (61.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
97,705 (57.4%)
49,609 (38.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,127
$1,220
Median monthly housing costs
$1,921
$1,384
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$923,387
$366,859
Estimated median house or condo value
$848,600
$318,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.3
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$371,576
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$781,885
$254,175
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$716,428
$299,855
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$709,698
$221,915
Median house price - mobile homes
$365,144
$92,500
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$834,685
$244,694
Median house price - All housing units
$991,120
$356,236
Median house age
69
32
Renting percentage
58.9%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,329.9
1,187.2
House value disparities
22.3%
29.3%
Household income disparities
45.9%
44.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$153,718
$98,668
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$81,904
$60,298
Housing units without a mortgage
1,176 (2.2%)
376 (0.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,996 (9.4%)
1,793 (3.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
51,720 (97.8%)
56,648 (99.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
139 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,096 (11.5%)
2,474 (4.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.6%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oakland
Bakersfield
One, detached
42.3%
71.5%
One, attached
4.9%
3.9%
Two
6.2%
1.3%
3 or 4
11.1%
7.8%
5 to 9
6.6%
3.8%
10 to 19
6.9%
2.0%
20 to 49
9.9%
2.2%
50 or more
11.7%
5.1%
Mobile homes
0.3%
2.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,615
11,506
State government workers
9,112
10,997
Unpaid family workers
529
161
Industries and Occupations
The key industries in Oakland include tech, healthcare, food services, and education. Bakersfield, on the other hand, prides itself in substantial agricultural and oil industries. Bakersfield also has a strong focus on healthcare and public services.
Healthcare in Oakland is high-quality, with renowned hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Bakersfield also offers good healthcare options, with notable hospitals like Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield.
Oakland is a major transportation and trade hub with multiple airports, interstates, trains, and ports. The city infrastructure seamlessly integrates with the tech-wealthy regions of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Bakersfield's infrastructure includes highways, an airport, and a high-speed rail project which will improve connectivity.
Infrastructure
Type
Oakland
Bakersfield
Hospitals
9
18
TV stations
28
9
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
76
65
Bank institutions located here
29
19
Main business address for public companies
10
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
10
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oakland
Bakersfield
1999
1,291
392
2000
1,721
393
2001
1,244
297
2002
1,370
372
2003
2,021
1,104
2004
3,261
2,188
2005
3,850
3,038
2006
4,422
3,393
2007
2,645
2,036
2008
1,041
565
2009
700
289
Culture and Food
Oakland is a cultural hub with a rich history, thriving arts scene, and diverse cuisines reflective of its mixed ethnic communities– offering everything from award-winning restaurants to food trucks. Bakersfield, rich in agricultural assets, offers delicious farm-to-table experiences. It is also known for its Basque cuisine and a music scene that birthed the 'Bakersfield Sound'.
Sports Teams
Oakland used to be home to the NFL's Raiders and the NBA's Golden State Warriors who have recently moved to Las Vegas and San Francisco respectively. The MLB’s Oakland Athletics still draws crowds. While Bakersfield lacks major league teams, it hosts minor league teams such as the Bakersfield Condors (hockey) and the Bakersfield Train Robbers (independent baseball).
Oakland, CA
Bakersfield, CA
