Bakersfield, CA Cost of Living


75 Reviews



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Bakersfield cost of living score
99.8
Less expensive
0.2% lower
than the US average
33.4% lower
than the California average
Bakersfield, California gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 99.8, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 0.2% lower than the U.S. average and 33.4% lower than the average for California.

Bakersfield, CA

Housing costs in Bakersfield?
A typical home costs $349,300, which is 3.3% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 52.4% less expensive than the average California home, at $733,500. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Bakersfield costs $1,390 per month, which is 2.8% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 54.7% cheaper than the state average of $2,150.

Can I afford Bakersfield?
To live comfortably in Bakersfield, California, a minimum annual income of $66,960 for a family, and $42,400 for a single person is recommended.

What does A.I. say about Bakersfield?
Bakersfield, California is quickly becoming one of America's premier destinations for those looking for excellent quality-of-life without spending too much. Homeowners can select among different types of housing ranging from inexpensive single family homes to beachfront condos - while renters have access to some attractive deals these days as well. Additionally, groceries and transportation costs remain quite reasonable when compared with other parts of the US - making Bakersfield a fantastic option if you're on the hunt for affordability.
   Cost of living score
     CategoriesBakersfieldCaliforniaUnited States
  99.8149.9100.0
  99105.1100
  91.698.3100.0
  106.7234.8100.0
  $349,300$733,500$338,100
  111.7%102.4%100.0%
  103.6133.1100.0
  111.2118.7100.0

   100=National Average

   Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Reviews for Bakersfield
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I am a millennial, born and raised here. As someone who wrestled with staying for years, there are a lot of valid reasons to not come to Bakersfield. Air quality, summer  More

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Over 3 years ago

I have lived here all of my life. 40+ years. It used to be fun and kinda safe but now it is so scary to go outside. We are literally a homeless dumping ground and there  More

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I moved here from Seattle 25 years ago, when it had a population of 200,000, and practically the only place to get coffee was a place called “Duke’s Ranch”. Why did I  More

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