Bakersfield, CA to Winston-Salem, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem typically costs $4,200–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,469 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Winston-Salem, NC typically costs $4,200–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,469-mile move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,197 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,282 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $6,994 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,000.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Bakersfield, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,500–$4,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Winston-Salem movers by type
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
How we chose the best CA→NC movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem
Many movers find Winston-Salem easier on the wallet than Bakersfield - roughly 3% less for singles and 24% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,420 for one person in Winston-Salem versus $2,493 in Bakersfield. For a family of four, it's $5,265 compared with $6,940.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Bakersfield | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,490 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,260 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $248,806 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $62,431 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- If you're heading to Winston-Salem from Bakersfield, you'll find that rent is roughly 23% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 36% less in Winston-Salem than in Bakersfield.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 15% lower in Winston-Salem compared to Bakersfield.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Winston-Salem and Bakersfield, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to Winston-Salem can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 24% less than in Bakersfield.
- Winston-Salem enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 12% lower compared to Bakersfield, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 15% in Winston-Salem compared to Bakersfield, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 66% less in North Carolina than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Bakersfield and Winston-Salem:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $188.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $52.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $3.95 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $17.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
- Bread costs less in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
- Gym memberships cost more in Bakersfield than in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Winston-Salem
| Bakersfield | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 249,545 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 22 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 29 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 32.67 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 67.33 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Winston-Salem's population is about 73% less than Bakersfield.
- Winston-Salem's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Winston-Salem is less walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- Winston-Salem has a bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Bakersfield, which has a score of 44.
- Winston-Salem's crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 32.67 compared to Bakersfield's 58.49. This means that Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Winston-Salem is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 67.33 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
- Air quality in Winston-Salem is Good, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Winston-Salem move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: North Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Winston-Salem. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Winston-Salem
Now that you've decided to make the move to Camel City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Winston-Salem.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West End
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- Old Salem
- Washington Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sherwood Forest
- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- West Highlands
- West Salem
Things to do in Winston-Salem
Once you're settled into your new home in North Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Winston-Salem has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Winston-Salem, such as the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, and Kaleideum North.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO PARK — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)Wake Forest (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem?
The best time to move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Winston-Salem take?
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Winston-Salem, NC covers 2,469 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Bakersfield movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Winston-Salem.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Bakersfield?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 2 movers in Bakersfield advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Bakersfield provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.