Sacramento, the state capital of California, and Bakersfield, located in the San Joaquin Valley, present unique opportunities and challenges. Though both cities are part of the same state, the experiences of living or visiting them can differ greatly. Variations exist in areas such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more. Understanding these differences can greatly affect decisions about relocating or visiting these cities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Sacramento and Bakersfield across various aspects.
Distance between
Sacramento, CA and
Bakersfield, CA : 258.7 miles
Sacramento's population is larger by 29%. Its population has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) since 2000. The population of Bakersfield has grown by 160,558 people (65.0%) during that time.
Both Sacramento and Bakersfield have higher crime rates than the national average. However, Bakersfield's crime rate trends slightly higher, particularly in terms of violent and property crimes. Sacramento has been making efforts to reduce their crime rate, employing community-oriented policing strategies which reduced the crime rate by a small margin lately.
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 2,168 registered sex offenders living in Sacramento and 1,108 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Sacramento is 228 to 1; the ratio in Bakersfield is 340 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Sacramento than in Bakersfield.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sacramento is generally higher than in Bakersfield. This includes aspects such as housing, utilities, grocery, and transportation costs. However, personal income in Sacramento is also generally higher, partly offseting the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
Both cities share the same state income tax as they are both in California, which has progressive tax brackets that range from 1% to 13.3% based on taxable income.
Property Tax
Sacramento has a slightly higher property tax rate than Bakersfield, but both cities fall under the statewide limit set by Proposition 13, which caps property tax increases.
Sales Tax
Both Sacramento and Bakersfield have high sales tax rates, reflecting California's state-wide trend. The overall sales tax rates are marginally higher in Sacramento as the city imposes additional district taxes.
Income
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Estimated median household income
$75,311
$66,666
Estimated per capita income
$37,916
$29,363
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
102.9
92.6
If you make $50,000 in Bakersfield, you will have to make $55,562 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Sacramento is located in the expansive Central Valley, near the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers. Bakersfield is in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges and close to the Kern River.
Sacramento boasts a larger number of highly-rated schools and universities compared to Bakersfield. The city is home to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State), and reputable secondary schools. Bakersfield also offers good education options, but they are fewer in number.
Sacramento's economy is more diversified with sectors like government, education, healthcare, and technology playing major roles. Bakersfield's economy is heavily reliant on sectors such as agriculture, petroleum extraction, and manufacturing. Job growth has been consistent in both cities, but Sacramento has a slightly lower unemployment rate.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Sacramento are the State of California, Sutter Health, and Intel, reflecting the city's focus on government, health care, and technology. In Bakersfield, the largest employers are the County of Kern, The Giumarra Companies, and Bolthouse Farms, which highlight its dependency on government, agriculture, and food processing industries.
There were 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011) compared to 1,121 building permits issued in Bakersfield in 2012 (699 more than in 2011).
In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% 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
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
2020
61.4%
43.7%
36.1%
53.9%
2.5%
2.4%
2016
58.0%
40.4%
33.8%
53.1%
8.3%
6.5%
2012
58.1%
40.3%
39.1%
57.0%
2.8%
2.7%
2008
58.4%
40.1%
39.4%
57.9%
2.2%
1.9%
2004
49.8%
32.7%
49.6%
67.0%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
49.4%
36.3%
45.4%
60.8%
5.2%
2.9%
1996
49.8%
36.6%
40.8%
53.8%
9.4%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.2%
29.3%
5.1%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.7%
3.2%
8.6%
12.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.9%
0.5%
1.3%
0.7%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.6%
2.1%
2.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.0%
1.8%
0.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.3%
1.7%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.1%
2.0%
Weather
Weather-wise, Sacramento experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild to cool, wet winters while Bakersfield experiences a semi-arid climate with very hot, dry summers, and mild winters. Bakersfield tends to have more extreme temperature highs given its location in the valley, far from the cooling influence of the coast.
Weather and climate
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Temperature - Average
62.2°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
66.8%
53.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
58%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
29%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
19 in
6.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.5%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
83.6%
80.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
31.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
97%
89.5%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
58.4%
Wind speed - Average
6.8 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Average climate in Bakersfield, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Sacramento
2018
121
135
0.32
0.28
9.7
12.3
24.7
32.3
0.002
0.004
28.9
53.7
12.7
15.7
N/A
N/A
2017
117
141
0.33
0.29
9.0
12.7
25.2
32.9
0.002
0.004
22.1
68.2
8.8
15.8
N/A
N/A
2016
103
127
0.44
0.27
8.0
11.7
25.3
31.0
0.002
0.004
14.0
N/A
9.0
14.5
N/A
N/A
2015
105
144
0.25
0.29
9.7
11.8
24.9
32.2
0.002
0.003
16.2
N/A
10.9
16.2
N/A
N/A
2014
99
141
0.24
0.28
10.2
13.3
24.9
31.5
0.002
N/A
15.6
53.0
9.6
17.9
N/A
N/A
2013
102
134
0.29
0.30
11.1
14.3
23.2
31.0
0.002
0.003
21.3
N/A
11.9
21.7
N/A
N/A
2012
107
145
0.31
N/A
10.5
14.6
25.2
32.4
0.002
0.004
15.2
N/A
7.9
17.2
N/A
N/A
2011
106
126
0.29
N/A
11.2
15.0
24.0
29.3
0.002
0.004
17.7
43.9
10.8
17.8
N/A
N/A
2010
109
147
0.29
N/A
11.2
14.4
22.8
29.3
N/A
0.003
16.9
39.2
9.3
17.2
0.5
N/A
2009
118
170
0.40
0.37
12.4
16.6
23.3
28.0
0.003
0.005
20.6
41.5
11.4
20.8
0.5
N/A
2008
130
171
0.40
0.48
14.9
17.4
25.4
27.8
N/A
N/A
24.3
57.0
13.6
22.7
0.5
N/A
2007
129
167
0.39
0.55
14.8
18.5
23.7
26.2
0.005
0.007
19.9
43.0
13.5
23.0
0.6
N/A
2006
124
157
0.49
0.56
15.4
19.2
22.7
29.6
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
13.0
18.0
0.5
N/A
2005
125
165
0.42
0.53
15.9
19.3
20.0
28.2
N/A
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.5
21.5
0.6
N/A
2004
119
163
0.49
0.51
15.8
19.9
19.1
27.1
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
13.3
21.3
0.6
N/A
2003
119
170
0.47
0.56
16.8
21.2
20.3
29.1
N/A
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
24.4
0.9
N/A
2002
114
170
0.50
0.60
18.1
22.5
21.2
26.9
0.004
0.006
25.1
N/A
N/A
29.5
1.5
N/A
2001
111
150
0.43
0.73
18.0
18.2
21.2
29.6
0.004
0.006
20.7
39.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2000
107
130
0.55
0.77
17.9
23.4
19.5
28.8
0.004
0.006
19.1
39.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.8%
2.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,798.9%
7,870.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
29%
Transportation
Public transportation in Sacramento is more developed with a light-rail system and extensive bus routes. Bakersfield has a decent bus system, but fewer options overall. Sacramento's proximity to major freeways and an International airport makes commuting to other major cities easier in comparison to Bakersfield.
Transport
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
414
433
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
20
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Bicycle
1.1%
0.2%
Bus
1%
0.3%
Carpooled
12%
8.7%
Car alone
80%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.3%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.8%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Average
28.5 min
21.5 min
Other means
22.8 min
22.2 min
Public transportation
39 min
44.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.5%
89.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
6.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.2%
2.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Sacramento are higher compared to Bakersfield. The median home price in Sacramento is considerably above the national average, while in Bakersfield, it is comparatively close to the national average.
Neighborhoods
Sacramento is noted for its diverse and lively neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and East Sacramento, each with unique character and amenities. Bakersfield's popular neighborhoods include Seven Oaks and Laurelglen, known for a close-knit community feel and family-friendly atmosphere.
Houses and residents
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Houses
210,715
134,270
Average household size (people)
2.6
3.1
Median year apartment built
1977
1984
Median year house/condo built
1978
1994
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.8 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
202,093 (95.9%)
128,007 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
103,994 (51.5%)
78,398 (61.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
98,099 (48.5%)
49,609 (38.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$976.09
$1,220
Median monthly housing costs
$1,558
$1,384
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$398,191
$366,859
Estimated median house or condo value
$449,600
$318,600
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$496,462
$371,576
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$630,561
$254,175
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,310
$299,855
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$382,635
$221,915
Median house price - mobile homes
$104,325
$92,500
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$463,571
$244,694
Median house price - All housing units
$481,210
$356,236
Median house age
44
32
Renting percentage
50.6%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,168.8
1,187.2
House value disparities
25.5%
29.3%
Household income disparities
44%
44.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,432
$98,668
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$82,443
$60,298
Housing units without a mortgage
1,166 (1.6%)
376 (0.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,385 (6.1%)
1,793 (3.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
70,415 (98.4%)
56,648 (99.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,362 (7.5%)
2,474 (4.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Sacramento
Bakersfield
One, detached
61.7%
71.5%
One, attached
6.8%
3.9%
Two
1.8%
1.3%
3 or 4
4.8%
7.8%
5 to 9
6.9%
3.8%
10 to 19
4.9%
2.0%
20 to 49
3.5%
2.2%
50 or more
7.6%
5.1%
Mobile homes
1.9%
2.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
12,891
11,506
State government workers
40,274
10,997
Unpaid family workers
755
161
Industries and Occupations
In terms of industries and occupations, Sacramento provides a wide-access to government jobs due to it being the state capital. Bakersfield offers opportunities in agricultural production, oil industries, and other blue-collar jobs. There is a consistent demand for health care professionals in both cities due to the proportion of elderly residents.
Both cities offer solid health care, with notable hospitals and health centers. Sacramento houses UC Davis Health and Sutter Medical Center, while Bakersfield has Kern Medical and Mercy Hospitals.
Sacramento has more developed infrastructure, including a modern tram system, and a wider variety of public transportation options. Bakersfield has been investing in public infrastructure but lags behind Sacramento in terms of development and range of options.
Infrastructure
Type
Sacramento
Bakersfield
Hospitals
17
18
TV stations
23
9
Arenas or stadiums
1
1
Bank branches located here
127
65
Bank institutions located here
31
19
Main business address for public companies
5
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
26
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Sacramento
Bakersfield
1999
1,003
392
2000
1,155
393
2001
983
297
2002
1,197
372
2003
2,258
1,104
2004
3,872
2,188
2005
4,610
3,038
2006
4,276
3,393
2007
2,386
2,036
2008
1,381
565
2009
647
289
Culture and Food
Sacramento is known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital" for its emphasis on locally-sourced food and has a vibrant dining scene. Bakersfield has strong roots in country music, hosting the famous Bakersfield Sound, and offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican and Basque cuisines.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Sacramento is home to the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Bakersfield, on the other hand, offers a range of minor league sports including Bakersfield Condors (hockey) and Bakersfield Blaze (baseball).
Sacramento, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Sacramento, CA and 
Bakersfield, CA : 258.7 miles
