Moving from Riverside to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Bakersfield 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 162-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Riverside to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Riverside to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Riverside 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 162 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,433 - $4,552 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,116 - $2,164 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $225 - $440 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Burgess Moving and Storage | $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 Riverside to Bakersfield?
It costs between $216 to $5,947 to move from Riverside to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 162-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $898 - $5,947
- Moving containers: $867 - $2,727
- Rental trucks: $216 - $479
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $898 - $3,509 | $867 - $1,477 | $216 - $385 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,433 - $4,552 | $1,116 - $2,164 | $225 - $440 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,004 - $5,947 | $1,558 - $2,727 | $273 - $479 |
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 | $75/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 Riverside to Bakersfield
At 162 miles, your Riverside 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 Riverside to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 162 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Riverside 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 Riverside guide.
Considerations when moving from Riverside to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Bakersfield
The cost of living in Riverside vs. Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield compares to what you’re used to in Riverside.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Riverside | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is about 26% cheaper than in Riverside. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 36% lower than in Riverside. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Bakersfield is 13% lower than in Riverside, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- If you’re relocating from Riverside to Bakersfield, you’ll notice that day-to-day expenses are about equal. As long as your income doesn’t change, your budget should stay on track after the move.
- If you’re relocating your family to Bakersfield, plan for living expenses to be about 24% higher than in Riverside. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Bakersfield is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 17% lower than in Riverside. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- With sales taxes 6% lower in Bakersfield than Riverside, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Riverside, you’ll need about $2,910 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, check out how life in Bakersfield measures up to Riverside. 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.
| Riverside | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield has a population roughly 187% higher than Riverside. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican, while Riverside leaned Democratic.
- You’ll find that both Bakersfield and Riverside 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 Riverside and Bakersfield—with winter lows around 42°F and 38°F.
- Both Riverside and Bakersfield see similar yearly rainfall—Riverside averages 11 inches, while Bakersfield gets 7 inches.
- Both Riverside and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield shows a higher crime rate than Riverside, with index scores of 58.49 compared to 40.24.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Bakersfield has plenty to offer:
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 Riverside to Bakersfield?
Shipping furniture from Riverside to Bakersfield with a moving company typically costs between $791 and $3,013. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,433 to $4,552. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,004 and $5,947 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Riverside to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning a move from Riverside to Bakersfield and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $629 and $1,426. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,116 to $2,164. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,558 to $2,727.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Bakersfield?
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 $225 and $363. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $225 and $440. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Riverside to Bakersfield, truck rentals usually range from $273 up to $479.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from Riverside to Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield?
The cheapest time of year to move to Bakersfield 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.
