Average Rent in Bakersfield, CA↑ Rents rising 9.7% YoY

Bakersfield, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,058/month to $2,317/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,064/month — 24% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,660/year, spending $1,064/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Bakersfield Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,380/month, Bakersfield ranks #40 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The Bakersfield Rental Market

The Bakersfield, CA area has a population of about 910,433 and 40% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Bakersfield, CA have risen by $122/month (9.7%) over the past year, from $1,258 to $1,380. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Bakersfield, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,560. The local median household income of $67,660 exceeds that threshold by $25,100, making Bakersfield relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Bakersfield, CA is $397,094, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 24.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 24 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Bakersfield's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Homaker Park ($183,899 median home value), Lakeview ($213,718 median home value), East Bakersfield ($218,843 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Bakersfield, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Bakersfield?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Bakersfield

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.