Cost of Living in Bakersfield, California (2026)
COL Index
97
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,300
per month
Median HHI
$56K
per year
State Tax
9.3%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Bakersfield |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700 |
| Median home price | $330K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 98 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $54 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55 |
| Gas price/gal | $4.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $158 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $140 |
| Internet/mo | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $56K |
| State income tax rate | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 |
Is Bakersfield affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,418/mo take-home
54% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,773/mo take-home
47% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,328/mo take-home
39% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,159/mo take-home
31% rent burden · Manageable
$80K
~$4,437/mo take-home
29% rent burden · Manageable
$100K
~$5,546/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
$120K
~$6,225/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$7,781/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only