Bakersfield vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Bakersfield is 71% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,018/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $8,676/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bakersfield | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683 | $1,126 | $443 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 | $1,403 | $549 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,018 | $1,741 | $723 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 | $2,068 | $742 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $2,592 | $1,064 |
| Median Income | $67,968 | $106,107 | $38,139 |
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
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
- Studio
- $1,126/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,403/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,741/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,068/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,592/mo
- Median Income
- $106,107/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Bakersfield is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,018/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $723/mo or $8,676/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (71% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bakersfield vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,018/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Bakersfield and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $67,968/year. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $106,107/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bakersfield vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bakersfield is $683/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.