Bakersfield, CA vs Carmel, IN
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
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $73,827). Bakersfield leads in walk score (37 vs 28). Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 123).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Carmel, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 74.5 (#579) |
| Population | 413,381 | 104,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $580,014 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $121,400 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 23.5 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | R+6.1 |
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
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →