Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Mesa to Bakersfield typically costs $2,300–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 499 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Mesa to Bakersfield
Moving from Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $2,300–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 499-mile move from Mesa to Bakersfield, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,438 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,712 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,982 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 03, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Mesa to Bakersfield move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,400 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,300 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Mesa.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $1,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ guide.
Best Mesa to Bakersfield movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Mesa to Bakersfield
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Mesa to Bakersfield much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best AZ→CA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 99 Arizona movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Mesa to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about 3% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Mesa.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $2,416 in Mesa; families pay $6,940 compared with $5,566.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Mesa | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,734 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $432,892 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,524 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,416 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,566 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.3% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Moving to Bakersfield from Mesa won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 10% more affordable in Bakersfield compared to Mesa.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 14% higher in Bakersfield compared to Mesa, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Bakersfield and Mesa is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- If you're moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 25% higher than in Mesa.
- With Bakersfield and Mesa having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Bakersfield and Mesa (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in California are 432% above those in Arizona. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Mesa and Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Mesa | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.69 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $42.00 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Mesa than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mesa than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Mesa than in Bakersfield.
- Bread is more expensive in Mesa than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Mesa than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Mesa than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Mesa than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Bakersfield
| Mesa | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 504,258 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 38 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 44 |
| Crime index | 44.67 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 55.33 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 80% greater than Mesa.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score is within about 5% of Mesa, making them very similar.
- Bakersfield and Mesa are similarly walkable.
- Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Mesa, which has a score of 60.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Mesa with a score of 58.49 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Mesa with a score of 41.51 vs Mesa's 55.33.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Mesa it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Bakersfield. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Planning your move to California's Country Music Capital? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Bakersfield.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Bakersfield
- The Oaks
- Westchester
- Laurelglen
- Belsera
Best neighborhoods for families
- Seven Oaks
- Northwest Bakersfield
- Southwest Bakersfield
- Olde Stockdale
- Haggin Oaks
Things to do in Bakersfield
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Bakersfield has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Bakersfield features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Bakersfield?
Planning your move from Mesa to Bakersfield? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Bakersfield?
Because most people are moving from Mesa to Bakersfield in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Mesa to Bakersfield take?
The 499-mile journey from Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Mesa offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Bakersfield.
Are there special savings available from movers in Mesa?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 5 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Mesa?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Mesa, 54 movers can manage piano relocations. 37 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Arizona has 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
