Moving from Fresno to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fresno to Bakersfield costs between $124 to $4,909 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 108-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fresno to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fresno to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fresno 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 108 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,263 - $3,779 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,026 - $1,872 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $135 - $219 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Colonial Van & Storage | $135/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 Fresno to Bakersfield?
It costs between $124 to $4,909 to move from Fresno to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 108-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $710 - $4,909
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,361
- Rental trucks: $124 - $250
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $710 - $3,163 | $824 - $1,448 | $124 - $182 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,263 - $3,779 | $1,026 - $1,872 | $135 - $219 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,771 - $4,909 | $1,338 - $2,361 | $156 - $250 |
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 | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $135/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fresno to Bakersfield
At 108 miles, your Fresno 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 Fresno to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 108 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fresno to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 84.6% of their 500 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Fresno guide.
Considerations when moving from Fresno to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Fresno vs. Bakersfield
When weighing the cost of living in Fresno versus Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield really compares to Fresno.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fresno | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $347,152 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,804 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,277 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,358 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.98% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Bakersfield are similar to those in Fresno, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices are the same in Bakersfield and Fresno, meaning your overall housing investment likely won’t change much, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.
- Salaries here are, on average, 16% higher than in Fresno. 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 9% higher in Bakersfield compared to Fresno, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 30% higher than in Fresno. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Bakersfield less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 17% lower than in Fresno. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in Bakersfield and Fresno, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Fresno, you’d need about $3,270 in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Fresno and Bakersfield. 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.
| Fresno | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 56.85 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield is about 68% larger than Fresno. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican, while Fresno voted Democratic.
- In Bakersfield and Fresno, summer highs run about the same — 97°F vs. 98°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Fresno and Bakersfield face similar winter lows—Fresno drops to 38°F, while Bakersfield falls to 38°F.
- Fresno usually sees more rain than Bakersfield, with about 13 inches of rainfall each year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Fresno and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield and Fresno have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 58.49 and 56.85, respectively.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Bakersfield has it all.
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 Fresno to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Fresno to Bakersfield, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $608 and $2,806. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,263 up to $3,779. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,771 to $4,909 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Fresno to Bakersfield?
Moving containers from Fresno to Bakersfield will cost you $594 to $1,360 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,026 to $1,872. A larger home will cost $1,338 to $2,361.
How much is a moving truck from Fresno to Bakersfield?
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 $133 to $186. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $135 and $219. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Fresno to Bakersfield, costs usually fall between $156 and $250.
How far in advance should I book Fresno-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from Fresno to Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield?
For the best deals on your move to Bakersfield, 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.
