Austin, TX to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Austin to Bakersfield typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,490 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Austin to Bakersfield
Moving from Austin, TX to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,490-mile move from Austin to Bakersfield, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,445 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,486 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $6,860 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 10, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 05, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 30, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Austin to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,600, but larger homes can run up to $10,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Austin.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,100–$2,900) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Austin, TX guide.
Best Austin to Bakersfield movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Austin to Bakersfield
For a stress-free interstate move from Austin to Bakersfield, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TX→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 291 Texas moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Austin to Bakersfield
Many movers find Bakersfield easier on the wallet than Austin - roughly 25% less for singles and 11% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Bakersfield versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it's $6,940 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Your monthly budgeting won't require significant modification when moving from Austin to Bakersfield, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 23% lower in Bakersfield than in Austin.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 8% higher in Bakersfield compared to Austin, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Bakersfield, where the cost of living for a single person is 25% less than in Austin.
- Moving to Bakersfield could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 11% less than in Austin.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 69% higher compared to Austin, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Bakersfield and Austin (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Austin with Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Austin | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Austin than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Austin than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Austin vs. Bakersfield
| Austin | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 44 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 7% less than Austin.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Austin's score of 5.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Austin with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 out of 100.
- Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Austin, which has a score of 54.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 58.49 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 41.51 vs Austin's 59.87.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Austin it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Bakersfield smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Now that you've chosen California's Country Music Capital as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Bakersfield
- The Oaks
- Westchester
- Laurelglen
- Belsera
Best neighborhoods for families
- Seven Oaks
- Northwest Bakersfield
- Southwest Bakersfield
- Olde Stockdale
- Haggin Oaks
Things to do in Bakersfield
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Bakersfield is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Bakersfield offers cultural landmarks like the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Bakersfield?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Austin to Bakersfield are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Austin are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Bakersfield?
Because spring and fall moves from Austin to Bakersfield are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Austin to Bakersfield take?
A move of 1,490 miles from Austin, TX to Bakersfield, CA generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Austin sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Bakersfield is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Austin?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Austin offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 18 movers in Austin have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
