Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,483$17,796 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Bakersfield, CA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Bakersfield, CA
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,132 | $13,584 | $45,280 | $21.77/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,140 | $13,680 | $45,600 | $21.92/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,483 | $17,796 | $59,320 | $28.52/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,062 | $24,744 | $82,480 | $39.65/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,488 | $29,856 | $99,520 | $47.85/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Bakersfield, CA →
Explore Related Regional Profiles
Connect housing costs with earnings, taxes, and price levels across California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Bakersfield, CA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield, CA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Bakersfield, CA is $1,483 per month ($17,796 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Bakersfield, CA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,483/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $28.52 per hour ($59,320/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Bakersfield, CA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Bakersfield, CA are: Studio: $1,132/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,140/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,483/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,062/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,488/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Bakersfield, CA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $80,540/year ($6,712/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 22.1% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Bakersfield, CA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,483/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,483 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $59,320 per year.