Moving from San Jose to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Jose to Bakersfield costs between $329 to $7,204 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 240-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Jose to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Jose to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Jose 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 240 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,712 - $5,171 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,262 - $2,309 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $374 - $697 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best California Movers | $119/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 San Jose to Bakersfield?
It costs between $329 to $7,204 to move from San Jose to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 240-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,141 - $7,204
- Moving containers: $998 - $3,031
- Rental trucks: $329 - $888
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,141 - $4,140 | $998 - $1,752 | $329 - $625 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,712 - $5,171 | $1,262 - $2,309 | $374 - $697 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,483 - $7,204 | $1,711 - $3,031 | $452 - $888 |
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 | $693 - $5,775+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $119/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $462 - $1,848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $116 - $462 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Jose to Bakersfield
At 240 miles, your San Jose 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 San Jose to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 240 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Jose to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to San Jose guide.
Considerations when moving from San Jose to Bakersfield
Cost of living: San Jose vs. Bakersfield
Comparing life in San Jose and Bakersfield goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Bakersfield stacks up against San Jose.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Jose | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,095 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $1,184,000 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,565 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.38% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Bakersfield are 45% lower than in San Jose, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 71% lower than in San Jose, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Bakersfield is 45% lower than in San Jose, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Bakersfield means you’ll spend 32% less on living expenses than you would in San Jose. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Bakersfield, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 17% lower than in San Jose. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 11% lower than in San Jose, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Bakersfield, sales taxes are 12% lower than in San Jose, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in San Jose, you’d need roughly $2,040 to maintain the same lifestyle in Bakersfield.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Bakersfield compared to San Jose. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| San Jose | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 73-25 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Bakersfield has about 6% fewer people than San Jose. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield leaned Republican, while San Jose leaned Democratic.
- Summers in Bakersfield can soar to 97°F, much hotter than San Jose’s high of 82°F. If you’re moving somewhere warmer, be prepared to update your wardrobe, cooling solutions, budget, and even your daily habits to beat the heat.
- During the chilliest months, both San Jose and Bakersfield experience similar lows—expect 42°F in San Jose and 38°F in Bakersfield.
- You’ll get more rain in San Jose than in Bakersfield, averaging about 17 inches of rain each year, versus just 7 inches in Bakersfield.
- Both San Jose and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Bakersfield (58.49) than in San Jose (47.73).
Things to do in Bakersfield
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Bakersfield.
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 San Jose to Bakersfield?
Shipping furniture from San Jose to Bakersfield with a mover will cost between $972 and $3,469. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,712–$5,171, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Jose to Bakersfield will cost from $2,483–$7,204.
How much are moving container companies from San Jose to Bakersfield?
If you're moving from San Jose to Bakersfield and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $674 to $1,604. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,262 and $2,309. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,711 up to $3,031.
How much is a moving truck from San Jose to Bakersfield?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $349 and $601. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $374 to $697. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from San Jose to Bakersfield, truck rental prices typically range from $452 up to $888.
How far in advance should I book San Jose-to-Bakersfield movers?
For a smooth move from San Jose to Bakersfield, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
To score the best moving deals to Bakersfield, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
