Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, LA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Lafayette typically costs $3,700–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,837 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, LA typically costs $3,700–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,837-mile move from Bakersfield to Lafayette, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,511 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,563 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,430 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 27, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Bakersfield to Lafayette
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,500, but larger homes can run up to $11,300.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Bakersfield.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,200–$3,400) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Lafayette, LA to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Lafayette movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Lafayette
For a stress-free interstate move from Bakersfield to Lafayette, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→LA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Bakersfield - roughly 28% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $2,493 in Bakersfield. For a family of four, it's $4,208 compared with $6,940.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Bakersfield | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- As you consider relocating to Lafayette, note that rent can be roughly 67% more expensive than it is in Bakersfield; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 45% lower in Lafayette than in Bakersfield.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 19% less in Lafayette than in Bakersfield.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, where the cost of living for a single person is 28% less than in Bakersfield.
- Moving to Lafayette could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 39% less than in Bakersfield.
- Both Lafayette and Bakersfield present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 15% higher in Lafayette than in Bakersfield. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Louisiana compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Bakersfield with Lafayette:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Lafayette
| Bakersfield | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 47 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette's population is about 87% less than Bakersfield.
- Lafayette's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Lafayette is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lafayette's crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 45.75 compared to Bakersfield's 58.49. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 54.25 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Lafayette move
- 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Louisiana 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 Lafayette smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lafayette
Now that you've chosen The Hub City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lafayette to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After getting comfortable in your new Louisiana home, it's time to see what Lafayette 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, Lafayette offers cultural landmarks like the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children's Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — 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 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Bakersfield are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
Because spring and fall moves from Bakersfield to Lafayette are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Lafayette take?
A move of 1,837 miles from Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, LA generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Bakersfield sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lafayette is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Bakersfield offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 2 movers in Bakersfield have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
