As of October 2026, Bakersfield apartment rents average about $1,019 a month for a studio, $1,242 to $1,369 for a one-bedroom and $1,561 to $1,652 for a two-bedroom, depending on the data source. A new ADU with a private entry and yard can aim for that range. Size, neighborhood and what is included set the actual figure.
What are Bakersfield rents right now?
| Unit | RentCafe average (data as of October 3, 2026) | RentCafe average size | Apartment List median (November 2026 report) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,019 | 449 sq ft | Not reported |
| One bedroom | $1,369 | 669 sq ft | $1,242 |
| Two bedrooms | $1,652 | 955 sq ft | $1,561 |
These are apartment figures across the city, not ADU-specific data. Compare them with current listings near your address before you set a target.
What makes one Bakersfield ADU rent for more than another?
- Neighborhood and access to major roads, schools and employers.
- Cooling and efficiency. Good insulation and air conditioning matter to tenants paying summer power bills.
- Privacy. A separate entry, its own yard area and a covered parking spot.
- Laundry and storage inside the unit.
- Utilities, and whether any are included in the rent.
Which rental rules apply?
- No vacation rentals. The city's 2024 resource guide says rentals under 30 days are not allowed.
- Rent both units if you like. The city does not require owners to live on a property with an ADU, and as of October 2026 state law bars that requirement.
- Junior ADUs must be rented for more than 30 days under state law, and can carry an owner-occupancy rule only when they share a bathroom with the main home.
- Landlord basics. The city's FAQ lists a written lease, insurance, utility setup and a street number among an ADU landlord's responsibilities.
How much will my property taxes go up?
Only by the value the ADU adds. According to the city's ADU FAQ, the base value of your home is not reassessed; for example, a $150,000 addition at a 1% rate adds about $1,500 a year. The Kern County Assessor can give an estimate for your plans.
How much value can an ADU add?
The city's 2024 resource guide offers a rough rule of thumb of about 100 times the monthly rent, so $1,500 a month would suggest roughly $150,000 of added value. Treat that as a starting point; appraisals depend on comparable sales near you.
How do I run the numbers?
A unit renting at $1,300 a month brings in $15,600 a year before costs. Take out the added property tax, insurance, maintenance, any utilities you cover and some vacancy, then weigh the remainder against your project cost and financing. Those figures illustrate the math only.
Sources, as of October 2026:
- RentCafe, Bakersfield, CA rental market trends (data as of October 3, 2026).
- Apartment List, Bakersfield Rent Report (November 2026).
- City of Bakersfield ADU program, ADU frequently asked questions (bakersfieldadu.us; undated, accessed October 2026).
- ADU Idea Book: Resource Guide for Accessory Dwelling Units, prepared for the City of Bakersfield (February 15, 2024).
- California Department of Housing and Community Development, ADU Handbook (updated March 2026, with addendum on law effective January 1, 2026), hcd.ca.gov.