Rent vs Buy Calculator for Bakersfield, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Bakersfield's price-to-rent ratio is 21.0 — generally favoring renting unless you plan to stay long-term. Median rent is $1,350/mo vs a $340,000 purchase price.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Bakersfield local data
How Bakersfield Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Bakersfield stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $340,000 | $420,800 | -19.2% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,350 | $1,713 | -21.2% |
| Median Household Income | $65,200 | $74,580 | -12.6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.75% | 1.10% | -31.8% |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Bakersfield Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 910,000
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg Commute
- 25 min
- Median Age
- 31.2
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 21.0x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,550
Rent vs Buy Calculator in Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Bakersfield
What is the median home price in Bakersfield, CA?
The median home price in Bakersfield is $340,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Bakersfield?
Median monthly rent in Bakersfield is $1,350. That works out to $16,200/year, or 25% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Bakersfield affordable?
Bakersfield's cost of living index is 104 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $65,200/year and a median home price of $340,000, the price-to-income ratio is 5.2x. Bakersfield falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Bakersfield?
The effective property tax rate in Bakersfield is 0.75% of assessed value. On the median home of $340,000, that's roughly $2,550/year ($213/month).