($427+) Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ ranges from $1,142 to $8,039, with an average cost of $2,650. Moves can be as low as $427 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 500 miles and usually takes 1 to 6 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 Mesa, AZ
Moving options from Bakersfield to Mesa fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,142 - $8,039 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 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 78% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 500 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 500-mile route from Bakersfield to Mesa, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,142 - $3,957, container $948 - $1,700, rental truck $406 - $753, freight trailer $811 - $1,591.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,026 - $5,282, container $1,228 - $2,254, rental truck $437 - $921, freight trailer $982 - $1,803.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,537 - $8,039, container $1,552 - $2,897, rental truck $584 - $1,043, freight trailer $1,359 - $2,366.
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 Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ
For the 500-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Mesa, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,142 and $8,039. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $316 - $2,104 (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 Bakersfield generally start around $420 plus $116 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,142 - $3,957
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,026 - $5,282
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,537 - $8,039
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 Mesa.
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 Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Mesa, 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: Meathead Movers | $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 type14% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $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 Mesa?
Arizona Moving Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Arizona, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Mesa with a local mover averages $2,086 - $5,440. 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 the top overall local mover in Bakersfield, ranked #17 in California, 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 Mesa, AZ
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Mesa, Arizona, cost between $948 and $2,897. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Bakersfield runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $948 - $1,700
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,228 - $2,254
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,552 - $2,897
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $79 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $158 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $736 in Bakersfield, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Mesa, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $948. 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 $1,228 - $2,254.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Mesa?
- 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 Mesa, AZ
Renting a moving truck for the 500-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Mesa, Arizona, costs between $406 and $1,043, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $167 - $191
- 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 Mesa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $406 - $753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $437 - $921
- 4+ bedrooms: $584 - $1,043
Pro tip: The base rate of $406 - $1,043 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Bakersfield to Mesa. Fuel ($167 - $191), lodging at around $158/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 Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $736.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $167 - $191 for the 500-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 500-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $316 - $473.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Mesa?
- 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 Mesa, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Bakersfield, California, to Mesa, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $947 and $1,803.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Mesa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $811 - $1,591
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $982 - $1,803
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,359 - $2,366
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 Mesa?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Mesa, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Bakersfield and Mesa to plan around. Cost of living index: 100 vs. 113. Average rent: $1,695/mo vs. $1,786/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 37 vs. 38. Safety index: 41.51 vs. 55.33.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona 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 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 500-mile move.
Our take
The 500-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Mesa, AZ, costs between $1,142 and $8,039 with full-service movers, $948 - $2,897 with a moving container, and $406 - $1,043 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 $2,026 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Mesa tend to point to bountiful outdoor activities and beautiful nature, though terrible traffic and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Banner Health System and Mesa Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Mesa, AZ
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ?
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 $437 - $921. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($167 - $191), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $158/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 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 is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, 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 14% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.