Is Bakersfield expensive to live in?
Median income: $55,026. Median rent: $1,150. Median home price: $310,000.
Relocation guide · California
Moving to Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, CA city guide. Population is 403,455. Median household income is $55,026. Median rent is $1,150.
Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Median Income
$55,026
State Tax
9.3%
Population
403,455
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Bakersfield
Median income: $55,026. Median rent: $1,150. Median home price: $310,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,150
Median Home Price
$310,000
Median Income
$55,026
Rent-to-Income
25%
Taxes
Your tax situation in California
State tax rate: 9.3%. Local tax rate: 8.25%.
State Income Tax
9.30%
Local Tax Rate
8.25%
Climate
Weather in Bakersfield
Average high: 81°F. Average low: 52°F. Annual rainfall: 7 inches. Sunny days: 276.
Avg High Temp
81°F
Avg Low Temp
52°F
Sunny Days/yr
276
Annual Rainfall
7"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Bakersfield
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Bakersfield with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Bakersfield
What is the average rent in Bakersfield?
The median rent in Bakersfield is $1,150/month. Median home price is $310,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does California have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 9.3%. Local tax rate: 8.25%.
What is Bakersfield known for?
Bakersfield, CA city guide. Population is 403,455. Median household income is $55,026. Median rent is $1,150.
What should I know before moving to Bakersfield?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Bakersfield has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.