Houston, TX to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Bakersfield typically costs $3,600–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,658 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Houston to Bakersfield
Moving from Houston, TX to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $3,600–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,658-mile move from Houston 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,882 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,662 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,493 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,100–$3,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Houston, TX guide.
Best Houston to Bakersfield movers by type
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Best professional movers from Houston to Bakersfield
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Houston to Bakersfield, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 291 Texas moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Houston to Bakersfield
Many movers find Bakersfield easier on the wallet than Houston - roughly 10% less for singles and 3% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Bakersfield versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it's $6,940 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 9% higher in Bakersfield compared to Houston; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 48% greater in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 6% higher in Bakersfield than in Houston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Bakersfield. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 10% lower than in Houston.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Bakersfield and Houston, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- In Bakersfield, the unemployment rate is approximately 44% higher than in Houston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Bakersfield and Houston (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for 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.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Houston and Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Houston | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Houston than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Houston than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Houston vs. Bakersfield
| Houston | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 44 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 60% less than Houston.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Houston's score of 5.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Houston with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 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 Houston, which has a score of 49.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 58.49 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 41.51 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Houston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Bakersfield. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Now that you've decided to make the move to California's Country Music Capital, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Bakersfield.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Bakersfield has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Bakersfield, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Bakersfield?
The best time to move from Houston to Bakersfield is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Bakersfield?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Houston to Bakersfield, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Houston to Bakersfield take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Bakersfield, CA covers 1,658 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Bakersfield.
Which movers in Houston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Houston?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 27 movers in Houston advertise piano moving expertise. 15 movers in Houston provide antique moving services. State totals show 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
