Question for California ladies, especially those near the valley (Bakersfield area)

[liberal_chick]

My dh has been offered a transfer to Bakersfield but we are worried about the cost of living.  He'd get a raise, but most of that would come in the form of a bonus which is not guaranteed.  He'll be making right at $47K/yr gross (base salary, not including the bonus).  We were hoping that I wouldn't need to work.

So I would love it (and be very grateful!) if you'd share a very bare bones, basic living budget with me.  We have three boys and would hope to rent a 3 bedroom house.  I just have no clue what I should count on spending for things like utilities, gas, or food.

I posted a thread in the finances forum that has some more details (along with a budget that I thought might be somewhat correct) if you're interested.

Thanks in advance!

[Chloe'sMama]

I live in Fresno, which is pretty close to Bakersfield and also I think similar COL.  Housing is much more affordable here than where we moved from (San Diego), but the other items are about the same price.  Utilities are pretty high in summer and winter, on average we pay around $200/ month for Gas/ Electric, Sewage, Trash and water, but we have a very energy efficient house and we try not to use the heater or AC very often.  My SIL has paid up to $500/ month for electricity in the summer.  

I can't say whether you will be able to make it on around $50,000 a year.  CA is just super expensive, even in the Valley.

I am sure there are people who will respond who say it is doable.

Good luck deciding!

[liberal_chick]

Thanks for your reply!  I'm not sure it is doable, which is my big worry.  We could probably absorb the extra cost of gas and food with the small raise he's getting, but housing (in a good neighborhood) will be more than double (closer to 2.5 times) what we're paying now and we can't absorb ALL of those costs.  We would be making about $15K less using just his base salary since I wouldn't be working but about $30K more across the span of a year, which is what is making it difficult to crunch all the numbers.  I'm inclined to say if we can't afford to live on the base salary we can't afford to transfer, but it is a pretty prestigious transfer and I know dh really wants to do it.