($402+) Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, AZ ranges from $1,171 to $7,293, with an average cost of $2,600. Moves can be as low as $402 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 493 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Moving options from Bakersfield to Scottsdale fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,171 - $7,293 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 44% 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 493 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 493-mile route from Bakersfield to Scottsdale, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,171 - $3,862 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($975 - $1,611), rental truck ($398 - $721), or freight trailer ($826 - $1,450). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,035 - $5,300 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,293.
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 Scottsdale, AZ
For the 493-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $1,171 and $7,293. 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 Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,171 - $3,862
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,035 - $5,300
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,557 - $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 Bakersfield to Scottsdale.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale?
All three below meet the standards set by the Arizona Moving Association, the group most Arizona movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Bakersfield, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Bakersfield to Scottsdale with a local mover averages $1,974 - $5,141. 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $975 and $2,943. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Bakersfield costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,611
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,140 - $2,270
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,549 - $2,943
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 Scottsdale, 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 $975. 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 $1,140 - $2,270.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Scottsdale?
- 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Plan on $398 - $1,063 for a rental moving truck on the 493-mile route from Bakersfield, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $165 - $189
- 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 Scottsdale based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $398 - $721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $429 - $917
- 4+ bedrooms: $534 - $1,063
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $398 - $1,063 does not include fuel ($165 - $189), lodging ($158/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Bakersfield to Scottsdale typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $158 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $68 and $342 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $165 - $189 in fuel for the 493-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $736 in Bakersfield, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Scottsdale?
- 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 Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, 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 $932 and $1,945.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $826 - $1,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $932 - $1,945
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,227 - $2,354
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Bakersfield, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $736.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $79 - $158 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Scottsdale?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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 Scottsdale, AZ
Bakersfield and Scottsdale land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 113 in Scottsdale, and average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $3,300/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 37 vs 32 and safety scores are 41.51 vs 74.2.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Scottsdale, AZ to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,126 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 493-mile move.
Our take
A move from Bakersfield, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ, 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 $1,171 - $7,293 on the 493-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $975 - $2,943, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $398 - $1,063. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,035 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Scottsdale tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and beautiful nature, though tourists and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Honor Health and CVS Health.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Scottsdale, AZ
How walkable is Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has a walkability score of 32 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 56, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $402 to $7,293, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,171 and $7,293, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, 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 do local movers charge in Bakersfield?
Local movers based in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate, plus $116/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Scottsdale run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Scottsdale, 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 14% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.