Moving from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield costs between $101 to $4,467 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 81-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Clarita 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 81 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,179 - $3,761 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $861 - $1,733 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $109 - $187 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $125/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 Santa Clarita to Bakersfield?
It costs between $101 to $4,467 to move from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 81-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $655 - $4,467
- Moving containers: $669 - $1,931
- Rental trucks: $101 - $188
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $655 - $3,073 | $669 - $1,158 | $101 - $156 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,179 - $3,761 | $861 - $1,733 | $109 - $187 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,713 - $4,467 | $1,192 - $1,931 | $127 - $188 |
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 | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | $243 - $486/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 Santa Clarita to Bakersfield
At 81 miles, your Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 81 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Santa Clarita vs. Bakersfield
The cost of living in Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Clarita | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,295 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $722,430 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $119,926 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,290 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,722 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.5% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is about 49% cheaper than in Santa Clarita. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 52% lower than in Santa Clarita. 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 35% lower than in Santa Clarita, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 24% lower than in Santa Clarita, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in Bakersfield as it was in Santa Clarita, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 39% lower than in Santa Clarita. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- With sales taxes 13% lower in Bakersfield than Santa Clarita, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Santa Clarita, you’ll need about $2,280 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Santa Clarita vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, check out how life in Bakersfield measures up to Santa Clarita. 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.
| Santa Clarita | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,673 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 18" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 35.92 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield has a population roughly 298% higher than Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita leaned Democratic.
- Summer temperatures in Bakersfield can reach 97°F, hotter than Santa Clarita at 89°F. Expect warmer days, higher cooling bills, and adjustments to your daily routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, Bakersfield is colder than Santa Clarita, reaching a low of 38°F while Santa Clarita only dips to 46°F.
- Expect wetter weather in Santa Clarita, where it averages 18 inches of rain annually—more than the 7 inches you’ll see each year in Bakersfield.
- Both Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, with index scores of 58.49 compared to 35.92.
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 Santa Clarita to Bakersfield?
Shipping furniture from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield with a moving company typically costs between $553 and $2,610. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,179 to $3,761. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,713 and $4,467 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning a move from Santa Clarita 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 $472 and $1,195. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $861 to $1,733. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,192 to $1,931.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Clarita 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 $100 and $151. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $109 and $187. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Santa Clarita to Bakersfield, truck rentals usually range from $127 up to $188.
How far in advance should I book Santa Clarita-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from Santa Clarita 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.
