($1,663+) Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,696 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,338 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,503, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,338 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,122 - $7,542, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,696 - $4,758.
- 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 $3,851 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 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,851 - $7,730 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,780 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
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: $2,503 for a studio up to $12,338 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $2,122 - $7,542 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,696 - $4,758, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,728 - $5,855, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
For the 2,780-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $2,503 and $12,338. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $363 - $2,420 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Newark generally start around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,503 - $5,805
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,851 - $7,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,027 - $12,338
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey 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 Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark 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 packing98% of local movers | $605 - $6,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $242 - $1,452/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $363 - $2,904 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% 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 items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,210 - $3,025 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $968 - $4,235 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $363 - $1,815 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $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?
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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Newark, NJ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,122 and $7,542. 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 Newark adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,122 - $3,893
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,569 - $5,201
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,797 - $7,542
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 $847 in Newark, NJ. 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 $91 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $182 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 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 $2,122. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,569 - $5,201, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 2,780-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,696 and $4,758. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $1,696 - $3,162
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,784 - $3,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,211 - $4,758
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,696 - $4,758 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Newark to Bakersfield. Fuel ($1,070 - $1,223) , lodging at around $182/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,070 - $1,223 for the 2,780-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $847.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,780-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $182 per night, adding $363 - $545 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $61 and $363.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,089 and $4,511.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,728 - $3,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,160 - $4,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,865 - $5,855
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Newark, New Jersey, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $847.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $91 - $182 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
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.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Bakersfield quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey 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 89 movers based in New Jersey, handy for sizing up options on this 2,780-mile route.
Our take
The 2,780-mile move from Newark, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $2,503 and $12,338 with full-service movers, $2,122 - $7,542 with a moving container, and $1,696 - $4,758 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 $3,851 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 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.
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Newark, NJ 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 $1,784 - $3,764. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. 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 Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
