Moving from Bakersfield to San Bernardino, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to San Bernardino costs between $216 to $5,947 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 164-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to San Bernardino
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino, 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 164 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,538 - $4,287 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,184 - $2,206 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $234 - $427 | 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 San Bernardino?
It costs between $216 to $5,947 to move from Bakersfield to San Bernardino. The prices below break down your 164-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $925 - $5,947
- Moving containers: $876 - $2,519
- Rental trucks: $216 - $499
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $925 - $3,619 | $876 - $1,600 | $216 - $356 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,538 - $4,287 | $1,184 - $2,206 | $234 - $427 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,128 - $5,947 | $1,439 - $2,519 | $279 - $499 |
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 San Bernardino
At 164 miles, your Bakersfield to San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 164 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to San Bernardino
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. San Bernardino
The cost of living in Bakersfield vs. San Bernardino isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in San Bernardino compares to what you’re used to in Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $381,380 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $63,988 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $2,054 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $4,469 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in San Bernardino are 15% higher than in Bakersfield, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in San Bernardino are 10% higher than in Bakersfield, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in San Bernardino is 17% lower than in Bakersfield, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Bernardino is 18% lower than in Bakersfield, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 36% lower in San Bernardino than in Bakersfield. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in San Bernardino is 80% higher than in Bakersfield. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in San Bernardino are 6% higher than in Bakersfield, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Bakersfield, you’ll need about $2,460 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in San Bernardino.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. San Bernardino
Before you move, check out how life in San Bernardino measures up to Bakersfield. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Bakersfield | San Bernardino | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 222,101 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 95ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 13" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 73.87 |
San Bernardino sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that San Bernardino has roughly 76% fewer people than Bakersfield. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, San Bernardino voted Democratic, while Bakersfield leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both San Bernardino and Bakersfield have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Bakersfield and San Bernardino—with winter lows around 38°F and 42°F.
- San Bernardino typically gets more rainfall than Bakersfield, with an annual average of 13 inches compared to just Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and San Bernardino receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Bernardino shows a higher crime rate than Bakersfield, with index scores of 73.87 compared to 58.49.
Things to do in San Bernardino
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, San Bernardino has plenty to offer:
Museums in San Bernardino
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum
- Norton AFB Museum
- Inland Empire Military Museum
- Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art
Parks in San Bernardino
- Glen Helen Regional Park
- Blair Park
Sports teams in San Bernardino
- Inland Empire 66ers (Baseball)
- California State University of San Bernardino Coyotes
Universities in San Bernardino
- California State University, San Bernardino
- California University of Science and Medicine
- San Bernardino Valley College
- The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire
- American Sports University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to San Bernardino?
Shipping furniture from Bakersfield to San Bernardino with a moving company typically costs between $815 and $3,074. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,538 to $4,287. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,128 and $5,947 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to San Bernardino?
If you’re planning a move from Bakersfield to San Bernardino and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $598 and $1,485. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,184 to $2,206. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,439 to $2,519.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to San Bernardino?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $223 and $352. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $234 and $427. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Bakersfield to San Bernardino, truck rentals usually range from $279 up to $499.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-San Bernardino movers?
To make your move from Bakersfield to San Bernardino as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Bernardino?
The cheapest time of year to move to San Bernardino is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
