Cost of Living in Bakersfield, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,370 (excluding rent), and $3,045 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,624 (excluding rent), and $5,794 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$24.93 $24.93

$11.97 $11.97

$24.93 $24.93

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.3 $66.3

$59.0 $59.0

$73.7 $73.7

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.57 $12.57

$11.07 $11.07

$14.07 $14.07

Cappuccino

$5.75 $5.75

$5.07 $5.07

$8.11 $8.11

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.93 $1.93

$2.92 $2.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.43 $5.43

$2.96 $2.96

$7.90 $7.90

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.95 $4.95

$3.96 $3.96

$6.93 $6.93

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.88 $0.88

$1.67 $1.67

White Bread (500g)

$3.75 $3.75

$1.59 $1.59

$4.89 $4.89

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.65 $5.65

$2.12 $2.12

$8.73 $8.73

Eggs

$2.87 $2.87

$2.19 $2.19

$3.88 $3.88

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.32 $12.32

$10.78 $10.78

$15.20 $15.20

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.97 $15.97

$5.96 $5.96

$20.07 $20.07

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.27 $16.27

$13.05 $13.05

$19.55 $19.55

Apples (1kg)

$4.23 $4.23

$2.41 $2.41

$10.89 $10.89

Banana (1kg)

$1.73 $1.73

$1.09 $1.09

$3.89 $3.89

Oranges (1kg)

$4.69 $4.69

$2.23 $2.23

$8.90 $8.90

Tomato (1kg)

$5.27 $5.27

$2.17 $2.17

$8.53 $8.53

Potato (1kg)

$1.86 $1.86

$1.33 $1.33

$3.33 $3.33

Onion (1kg)

$3.04 $3.04

$1.69 $1.69

$6.77 $6.77

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.62 $2.62

$1.31 $1.31

$4.05 $4.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.78 $2.78

$1.97 $1.97

$3.95 $3.95

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.66 $10.66

$10.15 $10.15

$14.21 $14.21

Wine (Bottle)

$18.10 $18.10

$15.08 $15.08

$25.13 $25.13

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.76 $1.76

$2.34 $2.34

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.49 $4.49

$1.60 $1.60

$6.80 $6.80

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.34 $2.34

$1.64 $1.64

$3.48 $3.48

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$56.2 $56.2

$46.34 $46.34

$56.2 $56.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.03 $3.03

$5.05 $5.05

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.07 $2.07

$1.57 $1.57

$2.20 $2.20

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.39 $29.39

$26.58 $26.58

$35.24 $35.24

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 $1.22

$1.13 $1.13

$1.30 $1.30

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.1K $24.1K

$30.3K $30.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.2K $26.2K

$25.1K $25.1K

$28.3K $28.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$347 $347

$204 $204

$433 $433

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.4 $54.4

$25.32 $25.32

$76.0 $76.0

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.5 $72.5

$54.0 $54.0

$81.5 $81.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$36.11 $36.11

$24.73 $24.73

$47.49 $47.49

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$25.03 $25.03

Cinema Ticket

$15.22 $15.22

$12.18 $12.18

$17.25 $17.25

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,495 $1,495

$997 $997

$1,841 $1,841

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.1K $23.1K

$16.5K $16.5K

$26.8K $26.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.43 $47.43

$24.97 $24.97

$59.9 $59.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.56 $41.56

$29.92 $29.92

$54.9 $54.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.6 $91.6

$64.0 $64.0

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$177 $177

$84.6 $84.6

$298 $298

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,824 $1,824

$1,725 $1,725

$1,972 $1,972

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,477 $1,477

$1,375 $1,375

$1,511 $1,511

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,434 $2,434

$2,285 $2,285

$2,484 $2,484

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,475 $2,475

$2,034 $2,034

$3,051 $3,051

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,483 $2,483

$2,440 $2,440

$2,688 $2,688

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,467 $2,467

$2,432 $2,432

$2,497 $2,497

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,686 $3,686

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.56

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: February 28, 2026

Bakersfield, CA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Bakersfield, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

The city generally offers a lower overall cost of living than many coastal metros, especially in housing and everyday expenses, while still delivering essentials like healthcare and good connectivity. You'll find value if you're flexible about neighborhoods and pace, and you can stretch a budget by cooking at home and choosing walkable areas. Consider the Cost of Living in Bakersfield, CA, United States when weighing options and long-term stays. Tip: Start with a short trial in a couple of neighborhoods to gauge comfort and costs.

You'll find a mix of family-friendly neighborhoods and compact apartments with quick access to parks, groceries, and coworking spaces. Housing can offer more space for your budget than many larger metros, with options ranging from established areas to newer developments. Food options span farmers markets, casual eateries, and international groceries, helping you control costs while enjoying variety. The city is car-friendly, but rideshares and bike routes can ease peak-hour hops and short errands. Bakersfield, CA, United States living cost is a handy frame for planning your layout and transit habits. Tip: Map out two or three neighborhoods with good transit access or bike-friendly streets, then test a few weekend and weekday routes.

Quality of life comes from simple routines: pick a neighborhood that fits your pace – downtown for amenities and nightlife, or suburban pockets for quieter mornings. A practical budgeting framework helps you allocate by needs – housing and utilities first, then groceries and transport, with discretionary budgets for dining out or weekend trips. Summers demand cooling costs, while mild shoulder seasons can lower energy use if you adjust routines. Explore a mix of markets, local cafes, and coworking spots to balance work and social life. Tip: set a monthly calendar for utility checks, grocery cycles, and neighborhood events to stay aligned with your budget.