($1,508+) Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,508 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,733 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,267, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,733 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,945 - $6,973, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,508 - $4,488.
- 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 $3,777 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Jersey City to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,777 - $7,656. Moving containers run about 31% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 55% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,788-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,267 - $5,420 | $1,945 - $3,598 | $1,508 - $3,071 | $1,733 - $3,271 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,777 - $7,656 | $2,596 - $5,060 | $1,682 - $3,374 | $1,879 - $4,090 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,628 - $10,733 | $3,308 - $6,973 | $1,981 - $4,488 | $2,838 - $5,691 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,788-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,267 - $10,733. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $372 - $2,480 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Jersey City and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Jersey City movers tend to run around $256 as a base rate plus $139/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,267 - $5,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,777 - $7,656
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,628 - $10,733
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.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $620 - $6,200 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $248 - $1,488/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $372 - $2,976 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% 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 items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,240 - $3,100 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $992 - $4,340 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $372 - $1,860 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Jersey City, NJ. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,945 and $6,973. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Jersey City costs roughly $130/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,945 - $3,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,596 - $5,060
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,308 - $6,973
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Jersey City, NJ and Bakersfield, CA. 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 $868 in Jersey City, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $93 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $186 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 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 $1,945. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,596 - $5,060.
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:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA
Plan on $1,508 - $4,488 for a rental moving truck on the 2,788-mile route from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Bakersfield, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $1,508 - $3,071
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,682 - $3,374
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,981 - $4,488
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Jersey City to Bakersfield starts at $1,508 - $4,488, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,100 - $1,257), overnight lodging ($186/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $93 and $434.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $186.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,100 and $1,257 for the 2,788-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $868 for 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
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
For larger DIY moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Bakersfield, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,879 and $4,090.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,733 - $3,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,879 - $4,090
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,838 - $5,691
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?
- 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 Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $868.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $93 and $186 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Jersey City to Bakersfield. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New Jersey to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 315 movers in New Jersey, so you have real options to compare for this 2,788-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Jersey City, NJ, to Bakersfield, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,267 - $10,733 on the 2,788-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,945 - $6,973 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,508 - $4,488 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,777 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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
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.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?
For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 87 and 64 in Jersey City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 56.79 and 43.21 in Jersey City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.