Moving from Bakersfield to Irvine, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Irvine costs between $199 to $5,294 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 156-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to Irvine
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to Irvine are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Bakersfield to driving and unloading in Irvine, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 156 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,530 - $4,363 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,144 - $2,145 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $225 - $377 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mentors Moving & Storage | $116/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Irvine?
It costs between $199 to $5,294 to move from Bakersfield to Irvine. The prices below break down your 156-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $859 - $5,294
- Moving containers: $864 - $2,466
- Rental trucks: $199 - $451
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $859 - $3,436 | $864 - $1,482 | $199 - $330 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,530 - $4,363 | $1,144 - $2,145 | $225 - $377 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,080 - $5,294 | $1,416 - $2,466 | $268 - $451 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $300 - $2,500+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $116/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $200 - $800 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Bakersfield to Irvine
At 156 miles, your Bakersfield to Irvine move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Bakersfield to Irvine. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 156 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to Irvine. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 87.6% of their 274 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Irvine to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to Irvine
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Irvine
When weighing the cost of living in Bakersfield versus Irvine, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Irvine really compares to Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $4,000 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $129,647 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in Irvine are 136% higher than in Bakersfield. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Irvine are 222% higher than in Bakersfield. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 68% higher than in Bakersfield. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 268% higher in Irvine compared to Bakersfield, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 159% higher than in Bakersfield. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Irvine less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Irvine is 8% lower than in Bakersfield. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Irvine than in Bakersfield. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Irvine can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Bakersfield, you’d need about $11,040 in Irvine.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Irvine
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Bakersfield and Irvine. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Bakersfield | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 307,670 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 31.01 |
Irvine sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Irvine is approximately 66% lower than the population of Bakersfield. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Irvine voted Democratic, while Bakersfield voted Republican.
- Summer temperatures in Irvine usually peak at 82°F, compared to Bakersfield at 97°F. Moving to a cooler city means breezier summers and less stress from relentless heat.
- During the coldest months, Bakersfield is colder than Irvine, with temperatures falling to 38°F compared to Irvine’s 46°F.
- Irvine receives more annual rainfall than Bakersfield, with about 13 inches per year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and Irvine receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Irvine offers more peace of mind than Bakersfield, with a lower crime index of 31.01 versus 58.49.
Things to do in Irvine
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Irvine has it all.
Museums in Irvine
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
- Museum of Woman
Parks in Irvine
- Orange County Great Park
- Adventure Playground
- William R. Mason Regional Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- Jeffrey Open Space Trail
Sports teams in Irvine
- UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)
- Adult Basketball Leagues
- Adult Soccer Leagues
- Adult Softball Leagues
- Tennis League
Universities in Irvine
- University of California, Irvine
- California Southern University
- Concordia University
- Westcliff University
- Irvine Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Irvine?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Irvine, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $727 and $2,927. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,530 up to $4,363. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,080 to $5,294 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Irvine?
Moving containers from Bakersfield to Irvine will cost you $589 to $1,459 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,144 to $2,145. A larger home will cost $1,416 to $2,466.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Irvine?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $191 to $333. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $225 and $377. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Bakersfield to Irvine, costs usually fall between $268 and $451.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Irvine movers?
To make your move from Bakersfield to Irvine as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Irvine?
For the best deals on your move to Irvine, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
