If you’re weighing a move to Bakersfield — or you’re already here and trying to figure out whether your budget makes sense — the cost of living in Bakersfield, CA is one of the first things worth understanding. The short version: Bakersfield is one of the more affordable places to live in California, especially compared to Los Angeles, the Bay Area, or even Sacramento. But “affordable for California” and “affordable” aren’t always the same thing, so let’s break down what you’ll actually pay.
Housing Costs in Bakersfield
Housing is where Bakersfield really sets itself apart from the rest of the state. Median home prices here run well below the California average, which is a big part of why buyers from LA and the Bay Area have been relocating to Kern County in growing numbers.
If you’re buying, it helps to have a clear picture of what’s actually available at your price point before you start comparing cost-of-living numbers in the abstract.
If you’re renting instead, rental costs in Bakersfield also run noticeably lower than coastal California cities, though prices vary a lot by neighborhood and unit type.
Utilities
Utility costs in Bakersfield tend to run close to the national average for electricity and water, though summer electricity bills can climb given how hot the Central Valley gets from June through September — air conditioning isn’t optional here for most of the year. Natural gas costs are generally reasonable, and internet/cable pricing is comparable to most mid-sized California cities.
Groceries and Everyday Expenses
Grocery prices in Bakersfield sit close to the national average and noticeably below what you’d pay in coastal California metros. Being in the middle of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country also means fresher produce at lower prices than you’ll find in LA or the Bay Area.
Transportation
Bakersfield is a car-dependent city, so transportation costs are worth planning for. Gas prices follow California’s statewide averages (higher than the national average due to state taxes and fuel blend requirements), but shorter commute times in most Bakersfield neighborhoods can offset some of that compared to sprawling metros.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are a real, ongoing cost of homeownership, and they catch a lot of first-time buyers off guard. If you want the full breakdown of how property tax is calculated and what it actually means for your monthly budget, we’ve covered that in detail in our guide: What Is a Property Tax? A Complete Guide for Homeowners and Investors.
HOA Fees
If you’re considering a home in a planned community — common in newer Bakersfield developments — HOA fees are another line item to factor into your monthly cost of living. We break down what these fees typically cover and what to expect in What Is HOA? Fees, Rules & What to Expect.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs in Bakersfield are generally in line with national averages, and slightly below what residents pay in California’s larger coastal cities.
So, Is Bakersfield Affordable?
Compared to almost anywhere else in California, yes. Bakersfield consistently ranks as one of the more affordable cities in the state, largely thanks to housing costs that are a fraction of what you’d pay in LA, San Francisco, or San Diego. That affordability is a major reason so many people relocating from pricier parts of California are landing here.
Budgeting for Your Move? Start With the Right Home Search
Cost-of-living numbers are useful for planning, but the real question for most people is simple: what can I actually afford here, and where should I look? That’s where having the right guidance matters.
At Lockhart Real Estate Advisors, we help buyers and sellers navigate the Bakersfield market with the kind of local knowledge that general cost-of-living calculators can’t give you — which neighborhoods fit your budget, what to expect at different price points, and how to move quickly when the right property comes up.
- Thinking about buying? Learn what a buyer’s agent does and how we can help you find a home that fits your real budget, not just the statewide average.
- Already own a home and budgeting for upkeep? Our Home Maintenance Checklist breaks down monthly, seasonal, and annual costs so there are no surprises.
- Have questions specific to your situation? Contact our team — we’re happy to walk you through the numbers.
Bakersfield’s affordability is real, but making the most of it means working with people who know the market block by block. That’s what we’re here for.