Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

El Centro, CA MSA vs Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA

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

$1,038
El Centro, CA MSA (1BR)
$1,140
Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA (1BR)
−9%
1BR difference

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

Metro
El Centro, CA MSA
$1,038/mo 1BR
Population: 179,578
Metro
Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA
$1,140/mo 1BR
Population: 906,883

A 1-bedroom in El Centro, CA MSA is 9% cheaper than Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,038 vs $1,140). 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 El Centro, CA MSA Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA Difference
Studio $939 $1,132 −$193 (-17%)
1 Bedroom $1,038 $1,140 −$102 (-9%)
2 Bedroom $1,362 $1,483 −$121 (-8%)
3 Bedroom $1,845 $2,062 −$217 (-11%)
4 Bedroom $2,285 $2,488 −$203 (-8%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. El Centro, CA MSA is 8% above the US average. Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA is 19% above.

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