Here's what it costs to live in Bakersfield, California, based on the latest US government data. Renters pay a median of $1,371 per month, while the typical home is valued around $347,300. Households earn a median of $77,397 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 46. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$77,397
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,371
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$347,300
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
N/A
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,132
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,140
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,483
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,062
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
408,366
Latest estimate
Median Age
31.9 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
46.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Bakersfield?
The cost of living index for Bakersfield is not yet available in our database.
What is the median rent in Bakersfield?
The median gross rent in Bakersfield is $1,371 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Bakersfield?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $77,397 per year.
What is the median home value in Bakersfield?
The median home value in Bakersfield is $347,300 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Bakersfield?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology