Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Salinas, CA MSA vs Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA

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

$2,232
Salinas, CA MSA (1BR)
$1,140
Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA (1BR)
+96%
1BR difference

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

Metro
Salinas, CA MSA
$2,232/mo 1BR
Population: 437,609
Metro
Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA
$1,140/mo 1BR
Population: 906,883

A 1-bedroom in Salinas, CA MSA is 96% more expensive than Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($2,232 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 Salinas, CA MSA Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA Difference
Studio $2,173 $1,132 +$1041 (+92%)
1 Bedroom $2,232 $1,140 +$1092 (+96%)
2 Bedroom $2,684 $1,483 +$1201 (+81%)
3 Bedroom $3,623 $2,062 +$1561 (+76%)
4 Bedroom $3,945 $2,488 +$1457 (+59%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Salinas, CA MSA is 133% 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).