Bakersfield vs Salinas
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Bakersfield is 56% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,018/mo vs $1,591/mo in Salinas — saving $6,876/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bakersfield | Salinas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683 | $1,095 | $412 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 | $1,311 | $457 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,018 | $1,591 | $573 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 | $2,085 | $759 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $2,361 | $833 |
| Median Income | $67,968 | $84,603 | $16,635 |
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
Salinas
- Studio
- $1,095/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,311/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,591/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,085/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,361/mo
- Median Income
- $84,603/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield or Salinas cheaper to rent in?
Bakersfield is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,018/mo vs $1,591/mo in Salinas. That's $573/mo or $6,876/year more expensive in Salinas (56% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bakersfield vs Salinas?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,018/month. In Salinas, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,591/month.
How do incomes compare between Bakersfield and Salinas?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $67,968/year. In Salinas it is $84,603/year. Salinas has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bakersfield vs Salinas?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bakersfield is $683/mo. In Salinas it is $1,095/mo.