Kansas City, MO to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Kansas City to Bakersfield typically costs $3,500–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,633 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Kansas City to Bakersfield
Moving from Kansas City, MO to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $3,500–$7,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,633-mile move from Kansas City to Bakersfield, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 23, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,194 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,715 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,224 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Mar 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Kansas City to Bakersfield move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $10,900 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Kansas City.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,200 to $3,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Kansas City, MO guide.
Best Kansas City to Bakersfield movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Kansas City to Bakersfield
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Kansas City to Bakersfield much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 MO→CA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 57 Missouri movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Kansas City to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about 1% higher for singles and 9% higher for families than Kansas City.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $2,473 in Kansas City; families pay $6,940 compared with $6,361.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Kansas City | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,350 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,375 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $233,378 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,551 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,473 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,361 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.4% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Bakersfield? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 30% higher than in Kansas City, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Bakersfield are about 67% higher than those in Kansas City.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 14% higher in Bakersfield compared to Kansas City, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Bakersfield and Kansas City is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- If you're moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 9% higher than in Kansas City.
- Bakersfield shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Kansas City by around 11%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Bakersfield and Kansas City (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in California are 177% above those in Missouri. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Kansas City and Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Kansas City | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $218.18 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.08 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.48 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $58.33 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Kansas City than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Kansas City than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Kansas City than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in Kansas City than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Kansas City than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Kansas City than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Kansas City than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Kansas City vs. Bakersfield
| Kansas City | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,090 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 44 |
| Crime index | 58.4 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 42.6 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 79% greater than Kansas City.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score is within about 5% of Kansas City, making them very similar.
- Bakersfield is more walkable than Kansas City with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Kansas City's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 44 out of 100, Bakersfield is more bike-friendly than Kansas City, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Bakersfield and Kansas City have a similar crime rate with scores of 58.49 and 58.4, respectively.
- Bakersfield and Kansas City have a similar safety level, with scores of 41.51 and 42.6.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Kansas City it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Kansas City to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Bakersfield. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Planning your move to California's Country Music Capital? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Bakersfield has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Bakersfield features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Bakersfield?
Planning your move from Kansas City to Bakersfield? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Kansas City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Kansas City to Bakersfield?
Because most people are moving from Kansas City to Bakersfield in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Kansas City to Bakersfield take?
The 1,633-mile journey from Kansas City, MO to Bakersfield, CA, typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Kansas City offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Bakersfield.
Are there special savings available from movers in Kansas City?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Kansas City?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Kansas City, 18 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Missouri has 37 piano movers and 22 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
