The cost of living in Bakersfield, CA is lower than in most of California. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,247 a month, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult in Kern County needs about $50,069 a year before taxes. The big extras are gasoline, which is well above the national average, and summer air-conditioning bills.
Last reviewed October 25, 2026. Figures are estimates from the sources linked below and vary by household.
Quick Answer
- Rent: about $1,037 for a studio, $1,247 for a one-bedroom, $1,615 for a two-bedroom and $2,311 for a three-bedroom (Rentometer, January 2026).
- Single-adult income needed: about $50,069 a year before taxes (MIT Living Wage, Kern County).
- Home price: a median sale price of about $419,800 in September 2026 (Redfin).
- Gas: about $6.17 per gallon for regular in the Bakersfield area on October 24, 2026 (AAA).
Cost of Living in Bakersfield: Monthly Budget at a Glance
The MIT Living Wage Calculator gives a baseline for one adult with no children in Kern County. It covers the main categories, not every expense.
| Category | Per year | Per month (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $13,654 | $1,138 |
| Food | $4,043 | $337 |
| Transportation | $10,293 | $858 |
| Medical | $3,277 | $273 |
| Four categories | $31,267 | $2,606 |
The pre-tax living wage is $50,069 a year ($24.07 an hour) for one adult. For one adult with one child it is $85,946, and for a household of two adults (one working) and two children it is $88,518. Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, Kern County.
Rent and Home Prices
Rentometer reported these average rents for Bakersfield in January 2026 (apartments and houses combined):
| Home size | Average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,037 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,247 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,615 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,311 |
For buyers, Redfin showed a median sale price of $419,800 in September 2026, up 1.2% from a year earlier. California’s Proposition 13 sets a base property tax of about 1% of the purchase price, plus local voter-approved assessments, so budget for tax, insurance and maintenance on top of the mortgage.
Utilities and Internet
Bakersfield summers regularly exceed 100 degrees, so electricity is the bill that changes most through the year. As a planning estimate, budget roughly $250 to $450 a month for electricity, gas, water, trash and internet combined, and expect the top of that range in July and August. Your bill depends on the home’s size and insulation, your thermostat habits and your utility plan.
- Use blinds or curtains on west-facing windows.
- Set a programmable thermostat and avoid cooling an empty home.
- Ask your electric utility about budget billing and time-of-use plans.
Groceries and Food
MIT’s baseline food cost for a single adult in Kern County is $4,043 a year, or about $337 a month. Restaurant meals, delivery and alcohol push that higher. Local farmers markets and store brands can keep the total down.
Healthcare and Personal Care
MIT’s medical estimate for one adult is $3,277 a year, about $273 a month. Your real cost depends on your employer plan, deductible and providers. Compare in-network clinics and generic prescriptions to keep spending down.
Transportation and Gas Prices
Transportation is a major cost because Bakersfield is spread out and car-dependent. MIT estimates $10,293 a year, about $858 a month, for a single adult. AAA reported regular gasoline at about $6.17 a gallon in the Bakersfield area on October 24, 2026 (California average about $6.03), so check current AAA prices before you plan a long commute.
Golden Empire Transit Fares
Golden Empire Transit lists regular fares of $1.65 for a single ride, $3.55 for a day pass, $38 for a 15-day pass and $57 for a 31-day pass. Reduced fares are available for seniors, Medicare cardholders and riders with disabilities.
Taxes and Other Costs
- California income tax: progressive rates from 1% to 12.3% on most income, plus an extra 1% on income above $1 million.
- Sales tax: the statewide base rate is 7.25%, and local add-ons can raise it.
- Property tax: about 1% base rate under Proposition 13, plus local assessments.
How Much Income Do You Need in Bakersfield?
A common guideline is to keep rent at or below 30% of gross income. On that rule, a $1,247 one-bedroom needs roughly $49,900 a year in gross income ($1,247 x 12 / 0.30). That is close to MIT’s $50,069 living-wage baseline for one adult. Families need considerably more: MIT’s figures are $85,946 for one adult with one child.
Building a Practical Monthly Budget
- Start with fixed costs: rent, insurance, car payment and phone.
- Add variable costs: groceries, fuel, medical and utilities.
- Set aside $50 to $100 a month in cooler months to cover summer electric bills.
- Aim to save 10% to 20% of take-home pay for emergencies.
Related Cost of Living Guides
Compare Bakersfield with Fresno, Sacramento and Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bakersfield, CA?
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult in Kern County needs about $50,069 a year before taxes. The four main categories of housing, food, transportation and medical total about $2,606 a month.
What is the average rent in Bakersfield?
Rentometer reported averages of about $1,037 for a studio, $1,247 for a one-bedroom, $1,615 for a two-bedroom and $2,311 for a three-bedroom in January 2026.
Is Bakersfield cheaper than other California cities?
Generally yes. Rents and home prices are well below coastal metros such as Los Angeles. Gasoline is expensive, though, and summer cooling costs can be high.
What is the median home price in Bakersfield?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $419,800 in September 2026, up 1.2% from a year earlier.
How much are summer electric bills in Bakersfield?
They vary by home size, insulation and usage. Cooling in 100-degree weather can raise bills sharply, so budget a cushion for June to September and ask your utility about budget billing.
Conclusion
Bakersfield offers lower housing costs than most of California, but high gas prices and summer cooling bills take back part of the savings. Use the rent, MIT baseline and fare figures above as a starting point, then check live listings and your utility’s rates before you commit.
