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Top-rated local movers that handle Austin to Bakersfield moves
When planning a move from Austin to Bakersfield, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 33 local movers in Austin who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Austin to Bakersfield.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Bakersfield?
Movers in Texas charge $131 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,241 – $4,819 | $977 – $2,450 | $870 – $1,768 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,050 – $6,744 | $1,711 – $3,433 | $930 – $2,042 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,289 – $8,921 | $2,256 – $4,959 | $1,244 – $2,469 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Bakersfield
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Austin to Bakersfield, you can expect to spend between $1,241 and $4,819. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,050 to $6,744 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Austin to Bakersfield typically runs between $5,289 and $8,921.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Bakersfield
When moving from Austin to Bakersfield, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $977 and $2,450. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,711 to $3,433. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,256 up to $4,959. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Bakersfield
Renting a moving truck in Austin is usually your cheapest option to get to Bakersfield. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $870 and $1,768. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $930 and $2,042. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,244 and $2,469.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Austin to Bakersfield
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,559, but larger homes can run up to $8,327.
- 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 ($870–$2,212) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
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, 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. 19 movers in Austin have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 14 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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