Rent in Kern County, CA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,483$17,796 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,656 (+11.7%)How much rent can you afford in Kern County, CA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Kern County, CA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,132 | $13,584 | $45,280 | $21.77/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,140 | $13,680 | $45,600 | $21.92/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,483 | $17,796 | $59,320 | $28.52/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,062 | $24,744 | $82,480 | $39.65/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,488 | $29,856 | $99,520 | $47.85/hr |
Cost of living in Kern County, CA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Kern County, CA
Rent in Kern County, CA: common questions
How much is rent going up in Kern County, CA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,656 for a two-bedroom, up 11.7% from $1,483. A one-bedroom goes from $1,140 to $1,273, a studio from $1,132 to $1,265.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Kern County, CA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,140 for a one-bedroom and $1,483 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $17,796 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Kern County, CA?
To keep a $1,483 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $28.52 an hour, or $59,320 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,140 takes $21.92 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Kern County, CA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,132, one bedroom $1,140, two $1,483, three $2,062 and four $2,488 a month.
Is rent affordable in Kern County, CA?
For the typical household, earning $70,210 a year ($5,851 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,483 takes 25.3% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,483 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $59,320. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $28.52 an hour.