($678+) Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA Movers

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Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $678 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,147 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,091 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,206, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,147 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,135 - $3,808, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $678 - $1,996.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,556 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA

Moving options from Fort Collins 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 $2,556 - $6,203 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 70% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,091 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,091-mile route from Fort Collins to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,206 - $4,671 $1,135 - $2,118 $678 - $1,300 $1,021 - $1,925
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,556 - $6,203 $1,522 - $3,160 $777 - $1,531 $1,181 - $2,334
4+ bedrooms $4,162 - $8,147 $2,097 - $3,808 $910 - $1,996 $1,726 - $3,175

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,091-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California, with costs ranging from $2,206 - $8,147. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $329 - $2,192. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fort Collins and Bakersfield. Local movers in Fort Collins typically start around $301 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,206 - $4,671
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,556 - $6,203
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,162 - $8,147

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 Fort Collins to Bakersfield.

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 Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Fort Collins 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 packingFull crew packing74% of local movers$548 - $5,480
Storage in transitNew place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$219 - $1,315/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$329 - $2,630
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers$1,096 - $3,288
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,740 - $10,960
Car shippingSecond vehicle$821 - $1,560
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$1,096 - $2,740
PianoAny piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$877 - $3,836
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers$329 - $1,644
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally$712 - $2,192
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$329 - $16,440+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$329 - $3,836+

What are the best full-service movers from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fort Collins, CO. 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 Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA

Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,135 and $3,808. 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 Fort Collins costs roughly $80/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,135 - $2,118
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,522 - $3,160
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,097 - $3,808

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Fort Collins, CO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $767, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $82 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $164 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Fort Collins, CO, and Bakersfield, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado 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 $1,135. 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 $1,522 - $3,160.

What are the best moving containers Fort Collins to Bakersfield?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins:

  • Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 34 years in business
  • Choice Moving Company (4.9/5), 11 years in business
  • Two College Movers (4.8/5), 13 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 1,091-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $678 and $1,996, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $380 - $435
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • Fort Collins daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins to Bakersfield based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $678 - $1,300
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $777 - $1,531
  • 4+ bedrooms: $910 - $1,996

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield starts at $678 - $1,996, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($380 - $435), overnight lodging ($164/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 $82 and $384.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $164.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $380 and $435 for the 1,091-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 $767 for 2 movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,181 and $2,334.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,021 - $1,925
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,181 - $2,334
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,175

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

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 $82 - $164 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 Fort Collins, Colorado, typically costs $767.

What are the best freight companies from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.

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: Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Fort Collins, CO Bakersfield, CA
Cost of living index116100
Average rent$1,750/mo$1,695/mo
Median home value$544,203$345,317
Average income$83,598/yr$77,397/yr
Unemployment rate5.6%5.9%
State income taxUp to 5.49%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score37/10037/100
Safety index72.86/10041.51/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Fort Collins, CO guide.

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Our take

For a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,206 for a studio to $8,147 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,091-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,135 - $3,808. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $678 - $1,996, 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 $2,556 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 Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA

How long does a move from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fort Collins, CO 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.

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 72.86 and 17.0 in Fort Collins. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

How walkable is Bakersfield?

Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 37 and 78 in Fort Collins. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What percentage of Fort Collins movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 52% of movers in Fort Collins handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.