Is Bakersfield expensive to live in?

Bakersfield is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 108 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 8% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,887, and the median household income is $77,397.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bakersfield?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $75,480/year to afford median rent in Bakersfield. The median household income is $77,397, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 29%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Bakersfield?

The median rent in Bakersfield is $1,887 per month. Housing costs score 120 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 20% more expensive than the US average.

How does Bakersfield compare to the national average cost of living?

Bakersfield's overall cost index is 108 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (120), food & groceries (106), transportation (103), utilities (100), and healthcare (111). Bakersfield is above average in most categories.

Is Bakersfield, California a good place to live?

Bakersfield has a population of 413,381 and a median household income of $77,397. With a cost index of 108, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 29%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Bakersfield?

To find the most affordable cities near Bakersfield in California, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the California state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Bakersfield

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 108

Median rent: $1,887

Median income: $77,397

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About Bakersfield

Living in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 413,381. The overall cost of living index sits at 108, which is above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 8% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Bakersfield. Median rent is $1,887 per month, while the median home price is $391,443. At a median household income of $77,397, rent consumes roughly 29% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 120 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Bakersfield with a sub-index of 111, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 100. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: California applies a 13.30% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.71% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.85%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Bakersfield has trended upward. Among the 61 tracked cities in California, Bakersfield ranks #4 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Bakersfield actually costs.

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