Moving from Fontana to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to Bakersfield costs between $197 to $5,460 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 157-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fontana to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fontana to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fontana to driving and unloading in Bakersfield, 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 157 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,515 - $4,147 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,110 - $2,166 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $221 - $397 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Trek Movers | $110/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 Fontana to Bakersfield?
It costs between $197 to $5,460 to move from Fontana to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 157-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $842 - $5,460
- Moving containers: $855 - $2,542
- Rental trucks: $197 - $460
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $842 - $3,686 | $855 - $1,527 | $197 - $323 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,515 - $4,147 | $1,110 - $2,166 | $221 - $397 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,100 - $5,460 | $1,386 - $2,542 | $263 - $460 |
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 | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fontana to Bakersfield
At 157 miles, your Fontana to Bakersfield 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 Fontana to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 157 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fontana to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Fontana guide.
Considerations when moving from Fontana to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Fontana vs. Bakersfield
When comparing the cost of living between Fontana and Bakersfield, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Bakersfield stacks up against Fontana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fontana | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,000 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $554,802 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,187 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,972 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,875 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is about 44% cheaper than in Fontana, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 38% lower than in Fontana, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Bakersfield is 21% lower than in Fontana. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Bakersfield is 16% lower than in Fontana. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- Your cost of living in Bakersfield will be roughly the same as it was in Fontana, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 22% lower than in Fontana. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes run 6% higher in Bakersfield than in Fontana, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,520 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Fontana.
How life is different in Fontana vs. Bakersfield
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Bakersfield vs. Fontana. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Fontana | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield is around 327% bigger than Fontana. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield leaned Republican, while Fontana went Democratic.
- Both Bakersfield and Fontana average summer highs close to 97°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Fontana and Bakersfield experience similar winter lows, with Fontana reaching 43°F and Bakersfield getting down to 38°F.
- Fontana tends to be wetter than Bakersfield, averaging 14 inches of annual rainfall compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Fontana and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield has a higher crime rate than Fontana, with a crime index of 58.49 vs 31.65.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Bakersfield has you covered.
Museums in Bakersfield
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
- Kern County Museum
- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
- Bakersfield Museum of Art
Parks in Bakersfield
- The Park at River Walk
- Peacocks at Hart Park
Sports teams in Bakersfield
- Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Universities in Bakersfield
- California State University, Bakersfield
- Bakersfield College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fontana to Bakersfield?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Fontana to Bakersfield, expect to pay between $796 and $2,987 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,515 and $4,147. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,100 up to $5,460 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Fontana to Bakersfield?
If you’re moving from Fontana to Bakersfield and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $619 and go up to $1,473. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,110 and $2,166. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,386 and $2,542.
How much is a moving truck from Fontana to Bakersfield?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $207 to $343. A larger move will cost $221 to $397, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Fontana to Bakersfield costs from $263 to $460.
How far in advance should I book Fontana-to-Bakersfield movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Fontana to Bakersfield at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Fontana-to-Bakersfield movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
To save money on your move to Bakersfield, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
