Median Home
$340,000
Rent (1BR)
$1,100/mo
Cost of Living
95 / 100
Unemployment
6%
Sunny Days
272/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Bakersfield
California's most affordable major city in the southern San Joaquin Valley. A gateway between LA and the Central Valley with an agricultural and energy economy.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Bakersfield based on your lifestyle and budget.
Downtown
trendyRevitalizing core with new restaurants and the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
Avg Rent
$1,000
Home Price
$250,000
Walkability
Medium
Haggin Oaks
family-friendlyNorthwest area with parks, schools, and established family homes.
Avg Rent
$1,200
Home Price
$350,000
Walkability
Low
Seven Oaks
upscaleSouthwest master-planned community with golf and mountain views.
Avg Rent
$1,500
Home Price
$500,000
Walkability
Low
Oildale
affordableNorth of the river with affordable housing and a working-class community.
Avg Rent
$850
Home Price
$200,000
Walkability
Low
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
98
2% below avg
Housing
86
14% below avg
Transportation
96
4% below avg
Healthcare
94
6% below avg
Utilities
96
4% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Haggin Oaks — $1,200/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Downtown — $1,000/mo rent
Most Affordable
- Oildale — $850/mo rent
- Downtown — $1,000/mo rent
Getting Around Bakersfield
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Bakersfield is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: BFL
Bakersfield is served by BFL airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$56,580
Unemployment Rate
6%
State Income Tax
1-13.3%
Cost of Living Index
95
Top Industries
AgricultureOil/EnergyHealthcareDistributionGovernment
Major Employers
Kern CountyKaiser PermanenteChevronGrimmway FarmsBolthouse Farms
Popular Routes to Bakersfield
People are moving to Bakersfield from these cities.
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
3,185 miles57.9hr driveI-40 East
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
132 miles2.4hr driveI-5 South
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
2,265 miles41.2hr driveI-40 East
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
1,855 miles33.7hr driveI-40 East
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
543 miles9.9hr driveI-40 East
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
3,114 miles56.6hr driveI-40 East
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
1,642 miles29.9hr driveI-40 East
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
276 miles5hr driveI-5 South
Bakersfield, CABakersfield
1,666 miles30.3hr driveI-40 East
Moving from Bakersfield to Other States
Route guides from Bakersfield, CA to every US state.
Bakersfield → TexasBakersfield → FloridaBakersfield → New YorkBakersfield → PennsylvaniaBakersfield → IllinoisBakersfield → OhioBakersfield → GeorgiaBakersfield → North CarolinaBakersfield → MichiganBakersfield → New JerseyBakersfield → VirginiaBakersfield → WashingtonBakersfield → ArizonaBakersfield → MassachusettsBakersfield → TennesseeBakersfield → IndianaBakersfield → MarylandBakersfield → MissouriBakersfield → WisconsinBakersfield → ColoradoBakersfield → MinnesotaBakersfield → South CarolinaBakersfield → AlabamaBakersfield → LouisianaBakersfield → KentuckyBakersfield → OregonBakersfield → OklahomaBakersfield → ConnecticutBakersfield → UtahBakersfield → IowaBakersfield → NevadaBakersfield → ArkansasBakersfield → MississippiBakersfield → KansasBakersfield → New MexicoBakersfield → NebraskaBakersfield → IdahoBakersfield → West VirginiaBakersfield → HawaiiBakersfield → New HampshireBakersfield → MaineBakersfield → Rhode IslandBakersfield → MontanaBakersfield → DelawareBakersfield → South DakotaBakersfield → North DakotaBakersfield → AlaskaBakersfield → District of ColumbiaBakersfield → VermontBakersfield → Wyoming
Moving from Bakersfield to Metro Areas
Route guides from Bakersfield to major metropolitan areas.
Bakersfield → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJBakersfield → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CABakersfield → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INBakersfield → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CABakersfield → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXBakersfield → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVBakersfield → Trenton-Princeton, NJBakersfield → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTBakersfield → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDBakersfield → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLBakersfield → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZBakersfield → Vallejo, CABakersfield → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXBakersfield → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WABakersfield → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDBakersfield → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WABakersfield → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHBakersfield → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COBakersfield → Kenosha, WIBakersfield → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Bakersfield to Major Cities
Route guides from Bakersfield to the largest US cities.
Bakersfield → New York, NYBakersfield → Los Angeles, CABakersfield → Chicago, ILBakersfield → Houston, TXBakersfield → Phoenix, AZBakersfield → Philadelphia, PABakersfield → San Antonio, TXBakersfield → San Diego, CABakersfield → Dallas, TXBakersfield → Austin, TXBakersfield → San Jose, CABakersfield → Jacksonville, FLBakersfield → Fort Worth, TXBakersfield → Columbus, OHBakersfield → Charlotte, NCBakersfield → Indianapolis, INBakersfield → San Francisco, CABakersfield → Seattle, WABakersfield → Denver, COBakersfield → Nashville, TNBakersfield → Oklahoma City, OKBakersfield → Washington, DCBakersfield → El Paso, TXBakersfield → Boston, MABakersfield → Portland, ORBakersfield → Las Vegas, NVBakersfield → Memphis, TNBakersfield → Louisville, KYBakersfield → Baltimore, MDBakersfield → Milwaukee, WI
Your Bakersfield Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home