Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA vs Chico, CA MSA

How do Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA and Chico, CA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,140
Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA (1BR)
$1,270
Chico, CA MSA (1BR)
−10%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA
$1,140/mo 1BR
Population: 906,883
Metro
Chico, CA MSA
$1,270/mo 1BR
Population: 213,605

A 1-bedroom in Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA is 10% cheaper than Chico, CA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,140 vs $1,270). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA Chico, CA MSA Difference
Studio $1,132 $1,155 −$23 (-2%)
1 Bedroom $1,140 $1,270 −$130 (-10%)
2 Bedroom $1,483 $1,625 −$142 (-9%)
3 Bedroom $2,062 $2,260 −$198 (-9%)
4 Bedroom $2,488 $2,726 −$238 (-9%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA is 19% above the US average. Chico, CA MSA is 32% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).