($1,342+) Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,342 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,213 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,568 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,242, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,213 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,828 - $6,907, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,342 - $4,115.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Raleigh, NC, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,320 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Raleigh to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,320 - $7,099 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 56% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,568-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,568-mile route from Raleigh to Bakersfield, 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 $2,242 - $5,528 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,828 - $3,335), rental truck ($1,342 - $2,845), or freight trailer ($1,662 - $3,095). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,320 - $7,099 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,213.
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 Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,568-mile relocation from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,242 and $11,213. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $311 - $2,072, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Raleigh typically charge a base rate around $226 plus $93 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Raleigh to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,242 - $5,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,320 - $7,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,834 - $11,213
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 Raleigh to Bakersfield.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Raleigh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Miracle Movers | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Raleigh to Bakersfield?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Raleigh, NC. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,828 and $6,907. 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 Bakersfield. If you go over that window, storage in Raleigh adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Raleigh to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,828 - $3,335
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,299 - $5,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,393 - $6,907
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 $725 in Raleigh, NC. 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $155 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 Bakersfield, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to California 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 $1,828. 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 $2,299 - $5,127.
What are the best moving containers Raleigh to Bakersfield?
- 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 33 years in business
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Miracle Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA
Plan on $1,342 - $4,115 for a rental moving truck on the 2,568-mile route from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Bakersfield, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $847 - $967
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Raleigh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Raleigh to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,845
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,469 - $3,192
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,836 - $4,115
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,342 - $4,115 when pricing out a rental truck from Raleigh to Bakersfield. Fuel alone runs $847 - $967, and overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $725.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $847 - $967 for the 2,568-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 $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 2,568-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $466.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Bakersfield?
- 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 Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Bakersfield, California, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,820 and $3,906.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Raleigh to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,662 - $3,095
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,820 - $3,906
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,481 - $5,367
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $155 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $725.
What are the best freight companies from Raleigh to Bakersfield?
- 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.
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: Raleigh, NC vs Bakersfield, CA
Raleigh and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Raleigh and 100 in Bakersfield, and average rent is $1,670/mo vs. $1,695/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 31 vs 37 and safety scores are 60.13 vs 41.51.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Raleigh, NC guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 313 movers based in North Carolina, handy for sizing up options on this 2,568-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Raleigh, NC, to Bakersfield, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,242 - $11,213 on the 2,568-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,828 - $6,907 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,342 - $4,115 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,320 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Bakersfield, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($847 - $967), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What is the best time of year to move from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA?
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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 60.13 and 38.87 in Raleigh. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Raleigh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Raleigh handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.