Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Kern County vs California
How do Kern County and California rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,140
- Kern County (1BR)
- $1,647
- California (1BR)
- −31%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Kern County is 31% cheaper than California at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,140 vs $1,647). 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 | Kern County | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,132 | $1,513 | −$381 (-25%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 | $1,647 | −$507 (-31%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,483 | $2,053 | −$570 (-28%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,062 | $2,752 | −$690 (-25%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,488 | $3,165 | −$677 (-21%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Kern County is 19% above the US average. California is 72% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).