Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bakersfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield, you need to earn at least $45,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,779, which means the typical resident is $12,021 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 231

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$802	$2,673	$32,080	$-1,699
1 Bedroom	$950	$3,167	$38,000	+$4,221
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,145	$3,817	$45,800	+$12,021
3 Bedroom	$1,397	$4,657	$55,880	+$22,101
4 Bedroom	$1,718	$5,727	$68,720	+$34,941

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Bakersfield's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,779

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$12,021

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 40.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Bakersfield

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bakersfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$844

Studio

$802/mo

1 BR

$950/mo

2 BR

$1,145/mo

3 BR

$1,397/mo

4 BR

$1,718/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Bakersfield.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Bakersfield's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bakersfield

Renting in Bakersfield is unaffordable for most median earners. The $12,021 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,145/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Bakersfield, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $802/month, which requires $32,080/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$573/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Missouri city.

To live comfortably in Bakersfield without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $68,700 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Missouri's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Bakersfield, Missouri.

With a total population of 231, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 87 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,800 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

Active civilian employees in Bakersfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bakersfield

What salary do I need to live in Bakersfield, Missouri?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,800. The median household income in Bakersfield is $33,779.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield on $33,779?

The affordability verdict for Bakersfield is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 40.7%, meaning there's a $12,021 income gap.

What is the average rent in Bakersfield compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Bakersfield is $950/month. With a median household income of $33,779, residents spend approximately 40.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bakersfield?

A studio in Bakersfield rents for approximately $802/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,080 to afford this.

Is Bakersfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $12,021 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Bakersfield is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,800 to the local median household income.

How Bakersfield Compares

Other cities in Missouri with salary requirements