Manhattan, New York, and Bakersfield, California, are both unique cities that offer distinct characteristics to residents and tourists alike. Manhattan is a bustling and diverse hub known worldwide for its cultural richness, while Bakersfield is a populous city with a more relaxed pace. This in-depth comparison will explore important factors such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more, to provide a comprehensive perspective as to what each city offers.
Manhattan, while highly populated, has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to other cities its size. The New York Police Department's active presence and community programs contribute to the maintained security. Tourists often feel safe, especially in major commercial and tourist areas.
Bakersfield, on the other hand, has a crime rate above the national average. However, crime rates can vary drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood, with some areas having significantly lower crime rates. Both residents and tourists are advised to remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Manhattan is among the highest in the United States. Housing, transportation, and dining are all considerably more costly than the national average. Bakersfield boasts a more affordable cost of living, which can make it attractive for those looking for a more budget-friendly locale.
Income Tax
New York City residents, including those living in Manhattan, are subject to state and city income tax which can be quite high, especially for high-income earners.
California has a progressive income tax system, and Bakersfield residents are subject to these state-level income taxes, but there is no additional city income tax.
Property Tax
Manhattan has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country, relative to the area's high property values.
In Bakersfield, property taxes are more aligned with the national average, providing a balanced approach for homeowners in comparison to the high property prices in Manhattan.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Manhattan is slightly higher than the national average, a cost to consider when buying day-to-day items or luxury goods.
In contrast, Bakersfield has one of California's highest sales tax rates, which can significantly influence the overall cost of purchases.
Income
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Estimated median household income
$84,435
$66,666
Estimated per capita income
$76,589
$29,363
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.3
92.6
If you make $50,000 in Bakersfield, you will have to make $100,054 in Manhattan to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Manhattan is an island surrounded by rivers, contributing to its dense and vertical development. Its proximity to the ocean influences its climate.
Bakersfield is located in the southern part of California's Central Valley, surrounded by larger mountain ranges. This inland location results in its consistent, warm climate.
Geographical information
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Land area
23 sq. miles
113.1 sq. miles
Population density
70,629 people per sq. mile
3,604.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Manhattan, NY Bakersfield, CA
Education
Education in Manhattan is highly diversified, with a wide range of public, private, and charter schools, along with many renowned universities such as Columbia University and New York University.
Bakersfield also offers a variety of public and private education options, but it is especially noteworthy for its robust community college system as well as California State University, Bakersfield.
Manhattan's economy is robust with major industries like finance, publishing, real estate, and healthcare. A hotspot for the entertainment industry, the city offers diverse job opportunities across fields.
Bakersfield's economy is centered around oil and agriculture, alongside healthcare and education. There are also opportunities in growing sectors like renewable energy.
Biggest Employers
Manhattan's biggest employers include multinational corporations such as JP Morgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc., and Verizon Communications Inc., along with numerous hospitals and universities.
In Bakersfield, top employers are in the healthcare sector like Adventist Health and Dignity Health, followed by the County of Kern and various oil companies.
In Manhattan (New York County), 83.9% voted for Democrats and 14.9% 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
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
2020
86.5%
43.7%
12.2%
53.9%
1.2%
2.4%
2016
86.7%
40.4%
9.7%
53.1%
3.6%
6.5%
2012
83.9%
40.3%
14.9%
57.0%
1.2%
2.7%
2008
86.1%
40.1%
13.5%
57.9%
0.3%
1.9%
2004
82.3%
32.7%
16.8%
67.0%
0.9%
0.3%
2000
80.0%
36.3%
14.5%
60.8%
5.5%
2.9%
1996
80.0%
36.6%
13.8%
53.8%
6.3%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.4%
29.3%
12.6%
4.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.7%
0.5%
2.4%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.7%
0.0%
5.3%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.6%
0.3%
4.7%
1.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
PATRIAR PARISHE RUSSIAN ORTHODO CHURCH USA
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.6%
2.4%
2.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
3.2%
2.9%
12.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.6%
2.0%
Weather
Manhattan, located on the east coast, experiences a four-season climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. It can be appealing for those who enjoy seasonal changes, but it may not be for everyone.
Bakersfield, in contrast, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters. The weather is more consistent, which may be attractive to those who enjoy warmer temperatures year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Temperature - Average
54.6°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.4%
53.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
47%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49.6 in
6.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
57.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.8%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
80.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
31.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
89.5%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
58.4%
Wind speed - Average
6.7 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Manhattan, New York
Average climate in Bakersfield, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Manhattan
2018
94
135
0.29
0.28
17.3
12.3
23.9
32.3
N/A
0.004
N/A
53.7
7.9
15.7
0.5
N/A
2017
97
141
0.16
0.29
17.4
12.7
24.0
32.9
N/A
0.004
N/A
68.2
7.7
15.8
0.4
N/A
2016
94
127
0.28
0.27
18.1
11.7
24.2
31.0
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
7.7
14.5
0.6
N/A
2015
100
144
0.36
0.29
18.9
11.8
23.0
32.2
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
8.6
16.2
1.0
N/A
2014
95
141
0.40
0.28
19.1
13.3
22.3
31.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
53.0
8.3
17.9
1.1
N/A
2013
97
134
0.43
0.30
19.5
14.3
22.6
31.0
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
9.0
21.7
1.1
N/A
2012
99
145
0.46
N/A
18.6
14.6
23.4
32.4
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
9.3
17.2
1.7
N/A
2011
108
126
0.46
N/A
20.7
15.0
22.2
29.3
N/A
0.004
N/A
43.9
10.9
17.8
2.7
N/A
2010
113
147
0.45
N/A
19.3
14.4
23.3
29.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
39.2
10.4
17.2
2.7
N/A
2009
104
170
0.51
0.37
21.9
16.6
18.8
28.0
N/A
0.005
N/A
41.5
10.7
20.8
3.8
N/A
2008
110
171
0.49
0.48
23.0
17.4
19.8
27.8
0.013
N/A
N/A
57.0
12.3
22.7
4.6
N/A
2007
121
167
0.56
0.55
24.4
18.5
19.4
26.2
0.016
0.007
N/A
43.0
13.1
23.0
5.5
N/A
2006
116
157
0.64
0.56
24.6
19.2
18.9
29.6
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
18.0
6.5
N/A
2005
112
165
0.77
0.53
26.7
19.3
18.4
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
8.2
N/A
2004
108
163
0.77
0.51
26.7
19.9
17.3
27.1
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.3
8.0
N/A
2003
107
170
0.83
0.56
27.8
21.2
17.5
29.1
0.024
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
24.4
8.2
N/A
2002
122
170
0.78
0.60
27.9
22.5
18.7
26.9
0.008
0.006
25.9
N/A
N/A
29.5
7.3
N/A
2001
123
150
0.79
0.73
29.4
18.2
19.4
29.6
0.020
0.006
25.0
39.6
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
2000
115
130
0.90
0.77
30.2
23.4
15.0
28.8
0.022
0.006
22.2
39.6
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
59.1%
2.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31.1%
7,870.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
29%
Transportation
Manhattan has an extensive public transit system, including the subway, buses, and ferries, making it easy for residents and tourists to navigate the city without a car.
Public transit in Bakersfield consists of buses and Amtrak services. The city is also car-friendly, which makes commuting relatively easy for those who prefer to drive.
Transport
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
433
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Bicycle
0.9%
0.2%
Bus
10.1%
0.3%
Carpooled
3.4%
8.7%
Car alone
7.6%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.3%
Railroad
1.1%
0%
Streetcar
0.1%
0%
Subway
43.6%
0%
Taxicab
4.7%
0.1%
Walked
21.9%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Average
30.3 min
21.5 min
Real Estate
Manhattan real estate is notoriously expensive, making it one of the least affordable areas in the country. However, the luxury apartments and historic brownstones are highly sought after.
Bakersfield's real estate market is substantially more affordable, with a wide range of options from suburban homes to downtown apartments.
Neighborhoods
Manhattan is home to diverse and iconic neighborhoods like the bustling Times Square, the posh Upper East Side, and the artsy Soho. Each neighborhood has its own unique cultural flavor.
Bakersfield's neighborhoods are more spread out and have a more suburban feel. There are numerous community parks and open spaces that add to the city's family-friendly neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
Houses
798,144
134,270
Average household size (people)
2
3.1
Houses occupied
738,644 (92.5%)
128,007 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
148,695 (20.1%)
78,398 (61.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
589,949 (79.9%)
49,609 (38.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,690
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$3,393,315
$366,859
Estimated median house or condo value
$940,900
$318,600
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
4
5.9
Renting percentage
77.2%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
34,757
1,187.2
Household income disparities
47.8%
44.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,104 (40.3%)
376 (0.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13 (0.5%)
1,793 (3.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
1,636 (59.7%)
56,648 (99.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
140 (5.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
140 (5.1%)
2,474 (4.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
69,517
11,506
State government workers
15,544
10,997
Unpaid family workers
1,861
161
Industries and Occupations
Industries and occupations in Manhattan are diverse, with prominent roles in finance, entertainment, and healthcare. Many residents find work in these industries, as well as education and technology.
Bakersfield has a prominent oil and agriculture industry, alongside healthcare and education, providing a variety of job opportunities.
The infrastructure in Manhattan is massive and well-developed, with wide-reaching public transit and many recognizable landmarks. This is beneficial for both residents who commute and tourists who sightsee.
Bakersfield's infrastructure, while not as extensive, is adequate for the city's needs. It offers public transit options and a mix of suburban and urban settings depending on your preference.
Infrastructure
Type
Manhattan
Bakersfield
TV stations
30
9
Culture and Food
Manhattan has a strong culture scene, renowned for Broadway theaters, museums like the Met and MoMA, and culinary diversity.
Bakersfield has its own cultural offering, including live music venues, unique festivals, and regional cuisine such as Basque food.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Manhattan is home to world-famous teams including the New York Knicks (NBA), New York Rangers (NHL), and nearby are the New York Yankees (MLB) and New York Giants (NFL).
Bakersfield offers local sports action with the Bakersfield Condors (AHL), Bakersfield Train Robbers (Professional Baseball), and teams from California State University, Bakersfield.
Manhattan, NY
Bakersfield, CA
Manhattan, NY and 
Bakersfield, CA : 2,452.2 miles
