Cost of Living in Bakersfield, CA
Population: 408,366 • 2026 Data
$77,397
Median Household Income
+0% vs national
$1,371
Median Monthly Rent
+2% vs national
$347,300
Median Home Value
+2% vs national
7.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Bakersfield
The median home value in Bakersfield, CA is $347,300. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,371, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,540.
Rent-to-income ratio: 21.3%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Bakersfield, CA is $77,397. The unemployment rate stands at 7.0%, with a labor force of 188,139 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.