($413+) Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ ranges from $1,124 to $7,965, with an average cost of $2,600. Moves can be as low as $413 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 $1,124 - $7,965 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,600, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 79% 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 $1,124 - $3,816 with full-service movers, $954 - $1,675 with a container, $409 - $771 with a rental truck, or $817 - $1,552 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,069 - $4,981 full-service, $1,198 - $2,265 by container, $437 - $837 by rental truck, or $978 - $1,775 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,480 - $7,965 full-service, $1,625 - $2,908 by container, $560 - $1,071 by rental truck, or $1,313 - $2,444 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 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 $1,124 - $7,965. 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: $1,124 - $3,816
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,069 - $4,981
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,480 - $7,965
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.
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: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tempe, 66% 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 ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $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 items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona 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 Bakersfield, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Bakersfield to Tempe with a local mover averages $2,049 - $4,932. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Bakersfield, CA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Meathead Movers (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Bakersfield, based on our analysis of feedback from 887 customers, 93.8% 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 $954 and $2,908. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Bakersfield typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $954 - $1,675
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,198 - $2,265
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,625 - $2,908
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $736 in Bakersfield, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $79 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $158 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Tempe, AZ, destination before booking.
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 $954. 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 $1,198 - $2,265.
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:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Tempe, Arizona, range from $409 - $1,071 for the 491-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $409 - $771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $437 - $837
- 4+ bedrooms: $560 - $1,071
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $409 - $1,071 does not include fuel ($164 - $188), lodging ($158/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Bakersfield to Tempe typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $79 and $368.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $158.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $164 and $188 for the 491-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $736 for 2 movers in Bakersfield, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Bakersfield, California, 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 Tempe, Arizona.
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 $978 and $1,775.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,552
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $978 - $1,775
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,444
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $79 and $158.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly five hours typically average $736.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Tempe?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Tempe. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Tempe, AZ
Good news for your budget: Tempe isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Bakersfield. Cost of living index runs 113 there against 100 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 37/100 and 41.51/100 here versus 54/100 and 57.64/100 there.
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 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 491-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 491-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Tempe, AZ, costs between $1,124 and $7,965 with full-service movers, $954 - $2,908 with a moving container, and $409 - $1,071 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,069 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 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 is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ?
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 long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.