Do you think every California city is insanely expensive? You’re not alone. When you hear “California,” most people picture Los Angeles, San Francisco, and sky‑high rent prices. But there’s one place quite different: Bakersfield.
According to a 2025 study by the financial company SoFi, Bakersfield is the cheapest city to rent in California. That might surprise you since California is famous for having some of the priciest housing markets in the country. Places like San Francisco and Los Angeles can charge crazy high rents for apartments or houses, but Bakersfield is different. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this city stand out.
How cheap are rents in Bakersfield?
In Bakersfield, rental prices are significantly lower than in other parts of the state: Apartments can go for $800 to $2,000 a month, and houses range from $1,500 to $4,000 a month.
Obviously, the exact price depends on the size of the place, its location, and how close it is to public transit or tourist areas—but in general, renters can save a lot compared to big cities like San Francisco.
What makes Bakersfield more than just cheap?
You might think that this city mustn’t be livable since it’s so cheap, but nothing could be further from the truth. Bakersfield offers a lot beyond affordable housing:
- Low overall cost of living: Not only is rent cheaper, but everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and entertainment cost less compared to major California cities.
- Great location: It’s not far from Los Angeles or other larger urban centers. That means you can live affordably without cutting yourself off from big‑city opportunities.
- Nature and culture abound: Bakersfield has more to offer than just low rent—it’s got character, arts, parks, and local flavor.
Culture and places to visit
But Bakersfield isn’t just affordable — it’s also full of interesting places to explore and has a unique local culture. The city is famous for being the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound, a style of country music that started in the 1950s and still plays a big part in the city’s identity today. Some of the top spots to check out include:
- Kern County Museum: to discover what life was like in the area in the past.
- River Walk Park: a great park near water, perfect for walking, biking,orjust relaxing.
- California Living Museum: here you’ll find animals and plants that are native to the region.
- Hart Park: a great spot for picnics, outdoor activities, and enjoying the wildlife.
- Wind Wolves Preserve: a unique nature reserve with awesome views and the chance to experience nature very close.
Other affordable cities in California
If you’re wondering about other budget-friendly places to live in California, Bakersfield isn’t your only option.There are several other cities where rent is more affordable:
- Fresno: a quiet, family-friendly city that won’t be an economic effort.
- Riverside: closer to Los Angeles but way cheaper than the coast.
- Stockton, Chico, and Modesto: each offers reasonable rent prices and you have the possibility of still living in California.
Why choose Bakersfield?
When you put it all together, Bakersfield offers an appealing combination:
- Significantly lower rent than most places in California.
- A low cost of living overall, making your money go further.
- A strategic location that keeps you within reach of larger California cities.
- A great mix of nature, museums, parks, and music history, making it a balanced place to live.
So, would you like to choose a place where you can save money, enjoy nature and culture, and still be close to important cities? Bakersfield might just be the smart and comfortable choice.
After all, living cheaper doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. Bakersfield shows that you can have both affordability and a lifestyle you enjoy—all without emptying your wallet. We all would live more relaxed if this was expanded everywhere, right?