($406+) Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $406 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,293 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 492 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,164, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,293 or more.
- Moving containers run $919 - $2,913, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $406 - $1,063.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,054 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Scottsdale to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,054 - $4,989. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 78% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 492 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 492-mile route from Scottsdale to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,164 - $3,938 | $919 - $1,745 | $406 - $736 | $877 - $1,480 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,054 - $4,989 | $1,164 - $2,200 | $442 - $864 | $923 - $1,834 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,629 - $7,293 | $1,517 - $2,913 | $561 - $1,063 | $1,303 - $2,259 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
For the 492-mile move from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $1,164 and $7,293. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $323 - $2,156 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Scottsdale generally start around $155 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Scottsdale to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,164 - $3,938
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,054 - $4,989
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,629 - $7,293
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Scottsdale to Bakersfield.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Scottsdale movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $539 - $5,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $216 - $1,294/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,587 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,078 - $3,234 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,695 - $10,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $807 - $1,534 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $701 - $2,156 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,773+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Scottsdale to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Scottsdale, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Scottsdale to Bakersfield with a local mover averages $1,993 - $4,840. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Scottsdale, AZ can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Scottsdale, based on our analysis of feedback from 146 customers, 82.9% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $919 and $2,913. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Scottsdale typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Scottsdale to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,745
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,164 - $2,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,517 - $2,913
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $162 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Bakersfield, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $755 in Scottsdale, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $919. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,164 - $2,200.
What are the best moving containers Scottsdale to Bakersfield?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Scottsdale to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Scottsdale:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 492-mile move from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $406 and $1,063, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $169 - $193
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Scottsdale daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $406 - $736
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $442 - $864
- 4+ bedrooms: $561 - $1,063
Pro tip: The base rate of $406 - $1,063 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Scottsdale to Bakersfield. Fuel ($169 - $193), lodging at around $162/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $755.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $169 - $193 for the 492-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $65 and $350, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $162 per night for hotel stops on the 492-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $323 - $485.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Scottsdale to Bakersfield?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Scottsdale, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $923 and $1,834.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Scottsdale to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $877 - $1,480
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $923 - $1,834
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,259
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $755.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $162 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Scottsdale to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Bakersfield fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Bakersfield, CA
Day-to-day costs in Bakersfield are close to what you're used to in Scottsdale: cost of living index of 100 versus 113, with average rent of $1,695/mo compared to $3,300/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 32/100 and 74.2/100 in Scottsdale versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 228 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 492-mile move.
Our take
A move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,164 - $7,293 on the 492-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $919 - $2,913, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $406 - $1,063. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,054 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $442 - $864. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 74.2 and 25.8 in Scottsdale. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What percentage of Scottsdale movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Scottsdale handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.