($1,631+) Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,566 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 2,788 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 $2,428, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,338 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,981 - $7,692, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,566 - $4,392.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,043 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 Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Jersey City to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $4,043 - $7,653 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,788 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,788-mile route from Jersey City to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,428 for a studio up to $12,338 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,981 - $7,692 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,566 - $4,392, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,746 - $5,915, 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 Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,788-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, with costs ranging from $2,428 - $12,338. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $372 - $2,480. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Jersey City and Bakersfield. Local movers in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate plus $139/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,428 - $5,746
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,043 - $7,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,535 - $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 Jersey City 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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Jersey City 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 | $620 - $6,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $248 - $1,488/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $372 - $2,976 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,240 - $3,720 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,100 - $12,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $929 - $1,765 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Great Movers | $1,240 - $3,100 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $992 - $4,340 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $372 - $1,860 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Zeromax Moving and Storage | $806 - $2,480 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $372 - $18,600+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $372 - $4,340+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Jersey City, 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 Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,981 and $7,692. 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 Jersey City adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,981 - $3,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,569 - $5,748
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,724 - $7,692
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 $868 in Jersey City, 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 $93 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $186 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 $1,981. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,569 - $5,748, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Dumbo Moving and Storage (4.5/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,788-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,566 and $4,392, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,100 - $1,257
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Jersey City 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 Jersey City to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,566 - $3,162
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,122 - $4,392
Pro tip: A rental truck from Jersey City to Bakersfield looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,566 - $4,392. But once you factor in fuel ($1,100 - $1,257) , overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $186 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $81 and $403 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,100 - $1,257 in fuel for the 2,788-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $868 in Jersey City, New Jersey, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City 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 Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Jersey City, New Jersey, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,055 and $4,336.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,746 - $3,468
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,055 - $4,336
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,836 - $5,915
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $93 - $186 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, typically costs $868.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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: Jersey City, 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 Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 100 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $345,317 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $77,397/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 41.51/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Jersey City, 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 2,788-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,428 for a studio to $12,338 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,788-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,981 - $7,692. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,566 - $4,392, 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 $4,043 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 Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What do local movers charge in Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/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.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,428 to $12,338, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,428 and $12,338, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Jersey City, 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 $1,661 - $3,764. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
