($1,526+) Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,526 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,320 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,780 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 $2,342, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,320 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,852 - $7,200, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,526 - $4,455.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,823 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 Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Newark 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 $3,823 - $7,453 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 58% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,780 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,780-mile route from Newark to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,342 for a studio up to $11,320 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,852 - $7,200 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,526 - $4,455, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,754 - $5,589, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $2,342 and $11,320. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,780-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $363 - $2,420, 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 Newark and Bakersfield. For a rough baseline, movers based in Newark tend to start around $260 plus $120/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 Newark to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,342 - $5,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,823 - $7,453
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,915 - $11,320
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 Newark to Bakersfield.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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 Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark 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 packing72% of local movers | $605 - $6,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $242 - $1,452/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $363 - $2,904 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,210 - $3,630 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,025 - $12,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $906 - $1,722 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,210 - $3,025 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $968 - $4,235 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $363 - $1,815 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $787 - $2,420 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $363 - $18,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $363 - $4,235+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Newark, NJ. 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 Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,852 and $7,200. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Newark runs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,852 - $3,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,577 - $5,382
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,555 - $7,200
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Newark, NJ 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 $847 in Newark, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $91 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $182 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 New Jersey 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 $1,852. 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 $2,577 - $5,382.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,780 miles from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, running $1,526 - $4,455. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,070 - $1,223
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Newark to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,526 - $2,869
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,602 - $3,629
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,131 - $4,455
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Newark to Bakersfield starts at $1,526 - $4,455, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,070 - $1,223), overnight lodging ($182/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $91 and $424.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $182.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,070 and $1,223 for the 2,780-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 $847 for 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Newark, New Jersey, 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 Bakersfield, California.
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 $2,082 and $3,972.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,754 - $3,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,082 - $3,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,872 - $5,589
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $91 - $182 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Newark, New Jersey, typically costs $847.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Newark, NJ vs Bakersfield, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Bakersfield, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 100 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $345,317 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $77,397/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 41.51/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Newark, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey 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 312 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 2,780-mile move.
Our take
The 2,780-mile move from Newark, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $2,342 and $11,320 with full-service movers, $1,852 - $7,200 with a moving container, and $1,526 - $4,455 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 $3,823 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 Newark, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA
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 Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,526 to $11,320, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,342 and $11,320, 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 Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.