Bakersfield vs El Centro
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
El Centro is 22% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $834/mo vs $1,018/mo in Bakersfield — saving $2,208/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bakersfield | El Centro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683 | $556 | $127 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 | $706 | $148 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,018 | $834 | $184 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 | $1,056 | $270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $1,186 | $342 |
| Median Income | $67,968 | $50,743 | $17,225 |
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
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield or El Centro cheaper to rent in?
El Centro is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $834/mo vs $1,018/mo in Bakersfield. That's $184/mo or $2,208/year more expensive in Bakersfield (22% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bakersfield vs El Centro?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,018/month. In El Centro, a 2-bedroom FMR is $834/month.
How do incomes compare between Bakersfield and El Centro?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $67,968/year. In El Centro it is $50,743/year. Bakersfield has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bakersfield vs El Centro?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bakersfield is $683/mo. In El Centro it is $556/mo.