($438+) Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,203 to $8,203, with an average cost of $2,650. Moves can be as low as $438 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 491 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving options from Bakersfield to Tempe fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,203 - $8,203 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 491 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 491-mile route from Bakersfield to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,203 - $3,966 with full-service movers, $933 - $1,741 with a container, $438 - $818 with a rental truck, or $928 - $1,503 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,111 - $5,335 full-service, $1,270 - $2,329 by container, $472 - $942 by rental truck, or $1,037 - $1,999 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,764 - $8,203 full-service, $1,740 - $3,083 by container, $542 - $1,102 by rental truck, or $1,392 - $2,367 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 491-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Tempe, Arizona, with prices running from $1,203 - $8,203. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $316 - $2,104 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Bakersfield and Tempe are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Bakersfield movers tend to run around $420 as a base rate plus $116/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $3,966
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,111 - $5,335
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,764 - $8,203
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 Bakersfield to Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $526 - $5,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,052 - $3,156 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,630 - $10,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $788 - $1,497 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $684 - $2,104 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,682+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Tempe?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Arizona Moving Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Bakersfield, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Bakersfield to Tempe with a local mover averages $2,090 - $5,282. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Bakersfield, CA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Meathead Movers (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Bakersfield, ranked #17 in California, based on our analysis of feedback from 274 customers, 87.6% of which is positive.
Address: 2334 Perseus Ct, Bakersfield, CA, 93308 | Founded: 2003
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $933 and $3,083. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Tempe. If you go over that window, storage in Bakersfield adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $933 - $1,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,270 - $2,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,740 - $3,083
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Bakersfield, CA and Tempe, AZ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $736 in Bakersfield, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $79 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $158 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Arizona 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 $933. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,270 - $2,329, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Tempe?
- 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 20 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck for this 491-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Tempe, Arizona, costs between $438 and $1,102. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $164 - $188
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Bakersfield to Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $438 - $818
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $472 - $942
- 4+ bedrooms: $542 - $1,102
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $438 - $1,102 when pricing out a rental truck from Bakersfield to Tempe. Fuel alone runs ($164 - $188) , and overnight lodging ($158/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $736.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $164 - $188 for the 491-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 $63 and $342, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $158 per night for hotel stops on the 491-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $316 - $473.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Tempe?
- 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 Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Bakersfield, California, to Tempe, Arizona, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,037 and $1,999.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $928 - $1,503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,037 - $1,999
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,367
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $736.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $79 and $158 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Tempe 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Tempe, AZ
Bakersfield and Tempe land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 113 in Tempe, and rent tracks closely too ($1,695/mo vs. $1,834/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (37 vs 54) and safety scores (41.51 vs 57.64) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 491-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Bakersfield, CA, to Tempe, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,203 for a studio to $8,203 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 491-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $933 - $3,083. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $438 - $1,102, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,111 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Tempe, AZ
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
For families, Alta Mira, Dava-Lakeshore, and Meyer Park are worth a look in Tempe. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cyprus Southwest, Daley Park, and Kyrene-Superstition tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Tempe?
Tempe has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 75, compared to 37 and 44 in Bakersfield. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Tempe a safe place to live?
Tempe has a safety index of 57.64 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.36, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
