Madison, WI to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Bakersfield typically costs $4,100–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,982 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Bakersfield
Moving from Madison, WI to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $4,100–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,982-mile move from Madison to Bakersfield, 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
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,845 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,882 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,479 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 29, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Madison to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Madison to Bakersfield might be as low as $2,900, while a four-bedroom could reach $12,200.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Madison.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,200 to $3,700 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Bakersfield movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to Bakersfield
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Madison to Bakersfield, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 WI→CA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 39 Wisconsin movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Madison to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about 9% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $6,940 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 6% higher in Bakersfield than in Madison, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 6% higher in Bakersfield than in Madison.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 17% higher in Bakersfield than in Madison, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Bakersfield, as the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 9% greater than in Madison. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Bakersfield, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 27% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield exceeds that of Madison by about 79%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Bakersfield exceed those in Madison by 50%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 74% higher in California than in Wisconsin. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Madison and Bakersfield, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Madison | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Madison vs. Bakersfield
| Madison | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 44 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 237% greater than Madison.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Madison with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 58.49 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 41.51 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Bakersfield without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Ready to relocate to California's Country Music Capital? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Bakersfield.
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
Now that you've made the move to California, it's the perfect time to explore Bakersfield. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Bakersfield include museums and art centers like the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Bakersfield?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Bakersfield. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Bakersfield?
With many people choosing to move from Madison to Bakersfield in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Madison to Bakersfield take?
Covering 1,982 miles, the move from Madison, WI to Bakersfield, CA typically takes five to 16 days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Bakersfield can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Madison can handle specialty items for my move to Bakersfield?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Madison, 3 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
