Moving from Long Beach to Bakersfield, CA

Quick answer: Moving from Long Beach to Bakersfield costs between $174 to $5,111 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 134-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Long Beach to Bakersfield

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Long Beach to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Long Beach 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 134 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,440 - $4,325 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,032 - $2,046 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $175 - $317 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Sterling Van Lines $75/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 Long Beach to Bakersfield?

It costs between $174 to $5,111 to move from Long Beach to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 134-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $752 - $5,111
  • Moving containers: $889 - $2,409
  • Rental trucks: $174 - $378
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $752 - $3,562 $889 - $1,458 $174 - $275
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,440 - $4,325 $1,032 - $2,046 $175 - $317
4+ bedrooms $1,830 - $5,111 $1,383 - $2,409 $217 - $378
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

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 $486 - $4,050+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $75/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $90/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $324 - $1,296 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $81 - $324 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Long Beach to Bakersfield

At 134 miles, your Long Beach 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 Long Beach to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 134 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Long Beach to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.

More California moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Long Beach guide.

Considerations when moving from Long Beach to Bakersfield

Cost of living: Long Beach vs. Bakersfield

When weighing the cost of living in Long Beach 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 Long Beach.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Long Beach Bakersfield
Average rent cost $2,075 $1,695
Average home cost $762,188 $345,317
Average income (per capita) $83,969 $77,397
Cost of living (single person) $2,681 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,051 $6,940
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.9%
Average Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
  • Rent in Bakersfield is around 18% less expensive than in Long Beach, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
  • Home prices in Bakersfield are 55% lower than in Long Beach. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
  • Income in Bakersfield is 8% lower than in Long Beach, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
  • Living in Bakersfield is 7% cheaper for one person compared to Long Beach. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
  • The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 15% higher than in Long Beach. 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 13% higher than in Long Beach. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
  • Sales taxes are 20% lower in Bakersfield than in Long Beach. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Bakersfield can reduce your overall living expenses.

To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Long Beach, you’d need about $2,790 in Bakersfield.

How life is different in Long Beach vs. Bakersfield

Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Long Beach 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.

Long Beach Bakersfield
Population 451,307 909,235
Political leaning Democratic 51-46 Republican 51-46
Summer high 79ºF 97ºF
Winter low 46ºF 38ºF
Annual rain 14" 7"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 58.58 58.49
  • Bakersfield is about 101% larger than Long Beach. 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 Long Beach voted Democratic.
  • Bakersfield regularly records highs near 97°F, compared to Long Beach at 79°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
  • In the coldest months, Bakersfield is colder than Long Beach, with winter lows of 38°F versus Long Beach’s 46°F.
  • Long Beach usually sees more rain than Bakersfield, with about 14 inches of rainfall each year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
  • Both Long Beach and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Bakersfield and Long Beach have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 58.49 and 58.58, 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 Long Beach to Bakersfield?

If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Long Beach to Bakersfield, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $699 and $2,986. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,440 up to $4,325. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,830 to $5,111 for the whole move.

How much are moving container companies from Long Beach to Bakersfield?

Moving containers from Long Beach to Bakersfield will cost you $577 to $1,381 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,032 to $2,046. A larger home will cost $1,383 to $2,409.

How much is a moving truck from Long Beach 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 $166 to $269. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $175 and $317. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Long Beach to Bakersfield, costs usually fall between $217 and $378.

How far in advance should I book Long Beach-to-Bakersfield movers?

To make your move from Long Beach 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.