($1,166+) St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,144 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,986 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,841 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,458, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,986 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,624 - $5,897, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,144 - $3,176.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,368 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from St. Louis 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 $3,368 - $7,500 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 1,841 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,841-mile route from St. Louis to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,458 - $5,318 | $1,624 - $3,101 | $1,144 - $2,138 | $1,447 - $2,655 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,368 - $7,500 | $1,955 - $4,047 | $1,190 - $2,595 | $1,614 - $3,508 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,079 - $10,986 | $2,898 - $5,897 | $1,454 - $3,176 | $2,250 - $4,399 |
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 St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA
Hiring full-service movers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $2,458 and $10,986. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,841-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $271 - $1,808, 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 St. Louis and Bakersfield. For a rough baseline, movers based in St. Louis tend to start around $247 plus $145/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 St. Louis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,458 - $5,318
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,368 - $7,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,079 - $10,986
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 St. Louis to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Missouri to California. 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 St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of St. Louis 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 packing93% of local movers | $452 - $4,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $181 - $1,085/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $271 - $2,170 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs86% of local movers | $904 - $2,712 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,260 - $9,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $677 - $1,286 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $904 - $2,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Arch Moving | $723 - $3,164 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $271 - $1,356 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $588 - $1,808 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $271 - $13,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $271 - $3,164+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Bakersfield?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in St. Louis, MO. 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 St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,624 and $5,897. 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 St. Louis runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,624 - $3,101
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,955 - $4,047
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,898 - $5,897
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $68 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $136 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Bakersfield, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $633 in St. Louis, MO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri 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 $1,624. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,955 - $4,047, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis:
- Arch Moving (4.7/5), 23 years in business
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 37 years in business
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,841 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bakersfield, California, running $1,144 - $3,176. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $530 - $605
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 St. Louis to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,144 - $2,138
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,190 - $2,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,454 - $3,176
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from St. Louis to Bakersfield starts at $1,144 - $3,176, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($530 - $605) , overnight lodging ($136/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $136 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 St. Louis, Missouri, usually costs about $633 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,841-mile drive falls between $530 and $605, 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 $45 and $271 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from St. Louis, Missouri, 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 $1,614 and $3,508.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,447 - $2,655
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,614 - $3,508
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,250 - $4,399
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $633.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $68 and $136 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Bakersfield?
- 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.
- 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.
- Flanagan-White Delivery, Inc. (4.42/5 stars): Flanagan-White Delivery, 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Bakersfield fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 100 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $180,206 | $345,317 |
| Average income | $55,279/yr | $77,397/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 30.35/100 | 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 St. Louis, MO guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Missouri alone has 54 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,841-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,841-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $2,458 and $10,986 with full-service movers, $1,624 - $5,897 with a moving container, and $1,144 - $3,176 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,368 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 St. Louis, MO, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($530 - $605), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $136/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 66 and 58 in St. Louis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,458 to $10,986, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,458 and $10,986, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Louis, MO to Bakersfield, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.