($846+) Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $846 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,158 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,268, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,158 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,347 - $4,736, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $846 - $2,306.
- 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 $2,750 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Dallas to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,750 - $6,559. Moving containers run about 39% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 3 to 8 days for this 1,448-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $2,268 - $5,245 | $1,347 - $2,544 | $846 - $1,754 | $1,261 - $2,336 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,750 - $6,559 | $1,668 - $3,554 | $972 - $1,968 | $1,377 - $2,730 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,034 - $9,158 | $2,245 - $4,736 | $1,177 - $2,306 | $1,852 - $3,601 |
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 Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,448-mile relocation from Dallas, Texas, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,268 and $9,158. 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 $300 - $2,000, 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 Dallas typically charge a base rate around $179 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,268 - $5,245
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,750 - $6,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,034 - $9,158
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.
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 Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Dallas 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 packing74% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% 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 coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% 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 items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & 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?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 $1,347 and $4,736. 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: $1,347 - $2,544
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,668 - $3,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,245 - $4,736
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Dallas, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $700, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $75 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $150 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Dallas, TX, and Bakersfield, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,347. 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 $1,668 - $3,554.
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
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 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 is the cheapest way to cover the 1,448 miles from Dallas, Texas, to Bakersfield, California, running $846 - $2,306. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $846 - $1,754
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $972 - $1,968
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,177 - $2,306
Pro tip: The base rate of $846 - $2,306 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Dallas to Bakersfield. Fuel ($461 - $527), lodging at around $150/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 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 $65 and $325 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $461 - $527 in fuel for the 1,448-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $700 in Dallas, Texas, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Dallas, Texas, to Bakersfield, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,377 and $2,730.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,261 - $2,336
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,377 - $2,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,852 - $3,601
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $75 - $150 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Dallas, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $700.
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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Dallas to Bakersfield. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Bakersfield, CA
Dallas and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Dallas and 100 in Bakersfield, and average rent is $1,774/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 46 vs 37 and safety scores are 48.6 vs 41.51.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Dallas, TX guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California 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 803 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 1,448-mile move.
Our take
The 1,448-mile move from Dallas, TX, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $2,268 and $9,158 with full-service movers, $1,347 - $4,736 with a moving container, and $846 - $2,306 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 $2,750 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
What is the best time of year to move from Dallas, TX 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.
How long does a move from Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($461 - $527), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA?
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 $972 - $1,968. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Dallas, TX to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $846 to $9,158, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,268 and $9,158, 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 percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.