($1,261+) Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN Movers

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The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN ranges from $1,338 to $11,206, with an average cost of $4,350. Moves can be as low as $1,261 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 2,019 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN

Moving options from Bakersfield to Nashville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,338 - $11,206 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,350, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,019 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,019-mile route from Bakersfield to Nashville, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,338 - $5,563 $1,588 - $3,142 $1,176 - $2,315 $1,459 - $2,971
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,740 - $7,358 $2,161 - $4,314 $1,339 - $2,895 $1,713 - $3,558
4+ bedrooms $6,473 - $11,206 $2,813 - $6,301 $1,673 - $3,340 $2,251 - $4,608

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN

Hiring full-service movers from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, costs between $1,338 and $11,206. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,019-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $306 - $2,040, 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 Bakersfield and Nashville. For a rough baseline, movers based in Bakersfield tend to start around $420 plus $116/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 Bakersfield to Nashville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $5,563
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,740 - $7,358
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,473 - $11,206

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 Bakersfield to Nashville.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN

Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Nashville, 81% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$510 - $5,100
Storage in transitNew place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers$204 - $1,224/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$306 - $2,448
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs$1,020 - $3,060
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,550 - $10,200
Car shippingSecond vehicle$764 - $1,451
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$1,020 - $2,550
PianoAny piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$816 - $3,570
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers$306 - $1,530
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage$663 - $2,040
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$306 - $15,300+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$306 - $3,570+

What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Nashville?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Bakersfield, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN

Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $1,588 and $6,301. 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 Bakersfield runs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Nashville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,588 - $3,142
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,314
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,813 - $6,301

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Bakersfield, CA and Nashville, TN. 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 $714 in Bakersfield, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $153 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 California to Tennessee 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 $1,588. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,161 - $4,314, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Nashville?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:

  • Mentors Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 20 years in business
  • US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN

A rental truck for this 2,019-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, costs between $1,176 and $3,340. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $655 - $749
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield to Nashville based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,176 - $2,315
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,339 - $2,895
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,340

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,176 - $3,340 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Bakersfield to Nashville. Fuel ($655 - $749) , lodging at around $153/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?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $153 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Bakersfield, California, usually costs about $714 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 2,019-mile drive falls between $655 and $749, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $51 and $306 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Nashville?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,713 and $3,558.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Nashville:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,459 - $2,971
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,713 - $3,558
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,251 - $4,608

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $714.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $77 and $153 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Nashville?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, 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: 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Nashville, TN

There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Bakersfield and Nashville to plan around. Cost of living index: 100 vs. 105. Average rent: $1,695/mo vs. $1,971/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 37 vs. 96. Safety index: 41.51 vs. 50.9.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee, 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 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,019-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Bakersfield, CA, to Nashville, TN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,338 for a studio to $11,206 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,019-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,588 - $6,301. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,176 - $3,340, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,740 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include HCA Healthcare and Access Control Systems.

FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Nashville, TN

What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN?

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 $1,339 - $2,895. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is Nashville a safe place to live?

Nashville has a safety index of 50.9 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.1, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?

Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 40% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.