Moving from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield, CA

Quick answer: Moving from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield costs between $228 to $6,104 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 171-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield

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

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Moreno Valley 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 171 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,561 - $4,656 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,121 - $2,031 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $244 - $485 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Burgess Moving and Storage $150/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 Moreno Valley to Bakersfield?

It costs between $228 to $6,104 to move from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 171-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $946 - $6,104
  • Moving containers: $880 - $2,625
  • Rental trucks: $228 - $559
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $946 - $3,881 $880 - $1,518 $228 - $392
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,561 - $4,656 $1,121 - $2,031 $244 - $485
4+ bedrooms $2,132 - $6,104 $1,478 - $2,625 $311 - $559
*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 $393 - $3,275+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $150/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $100/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $262 - $1,048 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $66 - $262 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield

At 171 miles, your Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 171 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley guide.

Considerations when moving from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield

Cost of living: Moreno Valley vs. Bakersfield

When weighing the cost of living in Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley.

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

Moreno Valley Bakersfield
Average rent cost $2,550 $1,695
Average home cost $460,926 $345,317
Average income (per capita) $87,477 $77,397
Cost of living (single person) $2,611 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,923 $6,940
Unemployment rate 9.1% 5.9%
Average Sales Tax 7.75% 8.25%
  • Rent in Bakersfield is around 34% less expensive than in Moreno Valley, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
  • Home prices in Bakersfield are 25% lower than in Moreno Valley. 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 12% lower than in Moreno Valley, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
  • Living expenses for a single person are about equal in Bakersfield and Moreno Valley. So, as long as your income doesn’t change, moving shouldn’t affect your finances much.
  • The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 17% higher than in Moreno Valley. 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 35% lower than in Moreno Valley. 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% higher in Bakersfield than in Moreno Valley. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.

To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Moreno Valley, you’d need about $2,850 in Bakersfield.

How life is different in Moreno Valley vs. Bakersfield

Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Moreno Valley 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.

Moreno Valley Bakersfield
Population 208,634 909,235
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 51-46
Summer high 97ºF 97ºF
Winter low 38ºF 38ºF
Annual rain 12" 7"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 40.24 58.49
  • Bakersfield is about 336% larger than Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley voted Democratic.
  • In Bakersfield and Moreno Valley, summer highs run about the same — 97°F vs. 97°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
  • In the coldest months, both Moreno Valley and Bakersfield face similar winter lows—Moreno Valley drops to 38°F, while Bakersfield falls to 38°F.
  • Both Moreno Valley and Bakersfield receive similar amounts of rain annually—Moreno Valley gets about 12 inches, while Bakersfield sees around 7 inches each year.
  • Both Moreno Valley and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Bakersfield reports a higher crime index than Moreno Valley, with scores of 58.49 and 40.24, 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 Moreno Valley to Bakersfield?

If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $810 and $3,039. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,561 up to $4,656. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,132 to $6,104 for the whole move.

How much are moving container companies from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield?

Moving containers from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield will cost you $640 to $1,450 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,121 to $2,031. A larger home will cost $1,478 to $2,625.

How much is a moving truck from Moreno Valley 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 $239 to $388. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $244 and $485. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Moreno Valley to Bakersfield, costs usually fall between $311 and $559.

How far in advance should I book Moreno Valley-to-Bakersfield movers?

To make your move from Moreno Valley 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.