Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Phoenix typically costs $2,300–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 482 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Phoenix
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ typically costs $2,300–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 482-mile move from Bakersfield to Phoenix, 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,831 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,469 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,488 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 19, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Bakersfield to Phoenix
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,300, but larger homes can run up to $8,500.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Bakersfield.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($500–$1,200) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Phoenix movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Phoenix
For a stress-free interstate move from Bakersfield to Phoenix, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 CA→AZ movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Phoenix
Many movers find Phoenix easier on the wallet than Bakersfield - roughly 5% less for singles and 25% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,369 for one person in Phoenix versus $2,493 in Bakersfield. For a family of four, it's $5,226 compared with $6,940.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Bakersfield | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Your monthly budgeting won't require significant modification when moving from Bakersfield to Phoenix, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Phoenix and Bakersfield, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 13% less in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Phoenix and Bakersfield, you shouldn't see much difference.
- Moving to Phoenix could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 25% less than in Bakersfield.
- The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 12% higher compared to Bakersfield, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Phoenix and Bakersfield (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 81% lower in Arizona compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Bakersfield with Phoenix:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
- Bread costs less in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
- Gym memberships cost more in Bakersfield than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Phoenix
| Bakersfield | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 56 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Phoenix's population is about 77% greater than Bakersfield.
- Phoenix's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Phoenix is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 56 out of 100, Phoenix is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Phoenix's crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 53.06 compared to Bakersfield's 58.49. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Phoenix is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 46.94 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Phoenix move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Arizona doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Phoenix smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Phoenix
Now that you've chosen Arizona's Urban Heart as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Phoenix to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it's time to see what Phoenix is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Phoenix offers cultural landmarks like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Phoenix?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Bakersfield to Phoenix are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Bakersfield are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Phoenix?
Because spring and fall moves from Bakersfield to Phoenix are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Phoenix take?
A move of 482 miles from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ generally takes one to four days. Movers in Bakersfield sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Phoenix is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Bakersfield offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 2 movers in Bakersfield have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
