($1,221) Cost to Move From Columbia, SC to Bakersfield, CA

1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Bakersfield

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Bakersfield, you can expect to spend between $1,221 and $4,906. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,289 to $7,007 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Bakersfield typically runs between $6,116 and $11,388.

Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Bakersfield

When moving from Columbia to Bakersfield, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,324 and $3,290. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,353 to $4,742. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,956 up to $6,055. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Bakersfield

Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Bakersfield. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,326 and $2,721. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,450 and $2,931. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,887 and $3,820.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Bakersfield, note that rent can be roughly 17% more expensive than it is in Columbia; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 77% higher in Bakersfield than in Columbia.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 14% higher in Bakersfield compared to Columbia, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person is 27% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Bakersfield, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 62% more than it is in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 13% higher compared to Columbia, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are similar in Bakersfield and Columbia (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 90% higher in California compared to South Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Bakersfield’s population is about 565% greater than Columbia.
• Bakersfield’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
• Bakersfield is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 44 out of 100, Bakersfield is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Bakersfield’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 58.49 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 41.51 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
• Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Bakersfield smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Bakersfield is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Bakersfield offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.