Cost of Living in Bakersfield, CA

With a cost of living index of 106, Bakersfield, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 6% more expensive than the national average and 38% below the California state average of 144. As a major city with a population of 408,366, Bakersfield offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bakersfield's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,371 (4% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $347,300 (14% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bakersfield is $77,397, which is 3% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Bakersfield-Delano, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.