Bakersfield, CA vs Modesto, CA
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
Modesto
64.2
#1712 nationally
Modesto leads in walk score (48 vs 37). Bakersfield leads in average commute (23.6 min vs 29.4 min). Bakersfield leads in crime level (15.2 vs 18.0).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 64.2 (#1712) |
| Population | 413,381 | 218,915 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $447,153 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $73,375 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 29.4 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 48 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 18.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | R+11.0 |
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 →
D
64.2 Score
Modesto, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$447,153
Population
218,915
Crime
High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Modesto, CA →