Cost of Living in East Bakersfield, CA

Population 10,377 · California · Data vintage 2023

70
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in East Bakersfield run well below national norms — a median of $36,039 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $202,000). A poverty rate near 39% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Geographically, East Bakersfield is part of the immediate Bakersfield metro area. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Bakersfield's $347,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 66
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in East Bakersfield

The median home value in East Bakersfield is $202,400 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,005/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,039/year is 52% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 78.2°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, East Bakersfield has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$202,400
34% below avg
Median Rent
$1,005/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,195
1 BR
$1,241
2 BR
$1,544
3 BR
$2,163
4 BR
$2,556
Owner-occupied 13.7%
Renter-occupied 86.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,005
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,619/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.8 min
4% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.5%
Carpooled
12.4%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
1.5%
Work from home
5.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 7.3%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$36,039
52% below avg
Per Capita Income
$13,208
Unemployment Rate
12.1%
152% above avg
Poverty Rate
39.5%
Labor Force Participation
61.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 2.2%
Graduate degree 0.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 27
Male median age 27.4
Female median age 25.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.2°F
Avg Low
54.2°F
Annual Precip
6.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.1"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 596470768492989791806759
Low °F 414347515865717065554540
Precip" 1.191.181.150.600.250.050.000.000.050.280.511.10
Snow" 0.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 69 — Moderate
23.3%
Good air days/yr
174
Max AQI recorded
135
PM2.5 days
217
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Bakersfield, CA?

East Bakersfield has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in East Bakersfield, CA?

The median gross rent in East Bakersfield is $1,005 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Bakersfield?

The median home value in East Bakersfield is $202,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in East Bakersfield?

The median household income in East Bakersfield is $36,039 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Bakersfield, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Bakersfield is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is East Bakersfield, CA affordable?

Yes, East Bakersfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in East Bakersfield?

East Bakersfield has average high temperatures of 78.2°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 6.4". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

East Bakersfield at a Glance

Population
10,377
Median Income
$36,039
Home Value
$202,400
Median Rent
$1,005/mo
Unemployment
12.1%
Avg High Temp
78.2°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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