($1,145+) Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA Movers

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Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,145 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,204 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,139 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,425, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,204 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,678 - $5,589, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,145 - $3,460.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,524 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from Montgomery 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 $3,524 - $7,806. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 63% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 6 to 17 days for this 2,139-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 2,139-mile route from Montgomery to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,425 - $5,455 $1,678 - $3,040 $1,145 - $2,395 $1,481 - $2,653
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,524 - $7,806 $2,109 - $4,134 $1,292 - $2,740 $1,603 - $3,307
4+ bedrooms $6,878 - $12,204 $2,921 - $5,589 $1,728 - $3,460 $2,407 - $4,660

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 Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,139-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,425 - $12,204. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $262 - $1,748 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Montgomery and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Montgomery movers tend to run around $462 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover, for comparison.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,425 - $5,455
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,524 - $7,806
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,878 - $12,204

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 Montgomery to Bakersfield.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Montgomery 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 packing75% of local movers$437 - $4,370
Storage in transitNew place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving$175 - $1,049/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$262 - $2,098
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers$874 - $2,622
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,185 - $8,740
Car shippingSecond vehicle$655 - $1,244
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving$874 - $2,185
PianoAny piano type58% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving$699 - $3,059
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers$262 - $1,311
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect9% nationally$568 - $1,748
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$262 - $13,110+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$262 - $3,059+

What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Montgomery, AL. 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 Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA

Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,678 and $5,589. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Montgomery typically runs around $70/month.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,678 - $3,040
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,109 - $4,134
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,921 - $5,589

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $131 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $612 in Montgomery, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Bakersfield, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama 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 $1,678. 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 $2,109 - $4,134.

What are the best moving containers Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery:

  • C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
  • Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA

A rental truck for this 2,139-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,145 and $3,460. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $595 - $680
  • Daily insurance: $26/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
  • Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Bakersfield based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,145 - $2,395
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,292 - $2,740
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,728 - $3,460

Pro tip: A rental truck from Montgomery to Bakersfield looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,145 - $3,460. But once you factor in fuel ($595 - $680), overnight lodging ($131/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $131 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $57 and $284 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $595 - $680 in fuel for the 2,139-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $612 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery 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 Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA

For larger DIY moves from Montgomery, Alabama, 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 $1,603 and $3,307.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,481 - $2,653
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,603 - $3,307
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,407 - $4,660

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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $66 and $131.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly five hours typically average $612.

What are the best freight companies from Montgomery 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Montgomery 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: Montgomery, AL 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 Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Montgomery, AL Bakersfield, CA
Cost of living index79100
Average rent$1,200/mo$1,695/mo
Median home value$146,265$345,317
Average income$55,687/yr$77,397/yr
Unemployment rate5.8%5.9%
State income taxUp to 5.0%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score26/10037/100
Safety index34.75/10041.51/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Montgomery, AL guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 142 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 2,139-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Montgomery, AL, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,425 for a studio to $12,204 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,139-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,678 - $5,589. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,145 - $3,460, 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 $3,524 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 Montgomery, AL, 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 is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

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 34.75 and 65.25 in Montgomery. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Montgomery, AL to Bakersfield, CA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,292 - $2,740. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

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

About 58% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.