Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Below the national average, the cheapest corner of California for housing.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 96
Median 2BR rent: $1,500/mo
Housing: 90 vs 100
Groceries: 102 vs 100
Utilities: 108 vs 100
Transportation: 110 vs 100
Healthcare: 96 vs 100
Bakersfield offers oil and agriculture jobs, big lots, and California sun at well below coastal prices. Affordable housing keeps the overall cost below the national average despite high gas prices.