Bakersfield vs Brownsville-Harlingen
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Brownsville-Harlingen is 50% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $678/mo vs $1,018/mo in Bakersfield — saving $4,080/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bakersfield | Brownsville-Harlingen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683 | $459 | $224 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 | $551 | $303 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,018 | $678 | $340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 | $807 | $519 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $964 | $564 |
| Median Income | $67,968 | $44,211 | $23,757 |
Bakersfield
- Studio
- $683/mo
- 1 BR
- $854/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,018/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,326/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,528/mo
- Median Income
- $67,968/yr
Brownsville-Harlingen
- Studio
- $459/mo
- 1 BR
- $551/mo
- 2 BR
- $678/mo
- 3 BR
- $807/mo
- 4 BR
- $964/mo
- Median Income
- $44,211/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield or Brownsville-Harlingen cheaper to rent in?
Brownsville-Harlingen is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $678/mo vs $1,018/mo in Bakersfield. That's $340/mo or $4,080/year more expensive in Bakersfield (50% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bakersfield vs Brownsville-Harlingen?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,018/month. In Brownsville-Harlingen, a 2-bedroom FMR is $678/month.
How do incomes compare between Bakersfield and Brownsville-Harlingen?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $67,968/year. In Brownsville-Harlingen it is $44,211/year. Bakersfield has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bakersfield vs Brownsville-Harlingen?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bakersfield is $683/mo. In Brownsville-Harlingen it is $459/mo.