($904+) Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $868 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,303 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,448 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,399, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,303 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,468 - $4,814, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $868 - $2,441.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,942 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Dallas to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,942 - $7,287 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,448 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,448-mile route from Dallas to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,399 - $5,389 | $1,468 - $2,586 | $868 - $1,838 | $1,244 - $2,257 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,942 - $7,287 | $1,784 - $3,723 | $959 - $2,165 | $1,414 - $2,890 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,114 - $9,303 | $2,500 - $4,814 | $1,183 - $2,441 | $2,020 - $3,930 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Dallas, Texas, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $2,399 and $9,303. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,448-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $300 - $2,000, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Dallas and Bakersfield. For a rough baseline, movers based in Dallas tend to start around $179 plus $60/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,399 - $5,389
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,942 - $7,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,114 - $9,303
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 Dallas to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Dallas movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Bakersfield, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dallas to Bakersfield?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Dallas, TX. 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 Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,468 and $4,814. 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 Dallas costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,468 - $2,586
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,784 - $3,723
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,500 - $4,814
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Dallas, TX and Bakersfield, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $700 in Dallas, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $150 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,468. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,784 - $3,723, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas:
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- AM Moving Company LLC (4.4/5), 11 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 1,448-mile move from Dallas, Texas, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $868 and $2,441. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $461 - $527
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Dallas 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 Dallas to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $868 - $1,838
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $2,165
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,183 - $2,441
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $868 - $2,441 does not include fuel ($461 - $527) , lodging ($150/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Dallas to Bakersfield typically runs $600 - $1,200 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 $75 and $350.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $150.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $461 and $527 for the 1,448-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 $700 for 2 movers in Dallas, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas 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 Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
For larger DIY moves from Dallas, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Bakersfield, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,414 and $2,890.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $2,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,414 - $2,890
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,020 - $3,930
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?
- 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 Dallas, Texas, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $700.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $75 and $150 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Dallas 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.
- Hazel's Expedited Freight (4.62/5 stars): Hazel's Expedited Freight is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Bakersfield fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Bakersfield, CA
Good news for your budget: Bakersfield isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Dallas. Cost of living index runs 100 there against 100 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 46/100 and 48.6/100 here versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Dallas, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California, 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 289 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,448-mile move.
Our take
The 1,448-mile move from Dallas, TX, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $2,399 and $9,303 with full-service movers, $1,468 - $4,814 with a moving container, and $868 - $2,441 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 $2,942 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 Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Dallas, TX, to Bakersfield, CA
How walkable is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 46 and 49 in Dallas. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?
For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.
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 do local movers charge in Dallas?
Local movers based in Dallas typically start around $179 as a base rate, plus $60/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 Bakersfield run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
