($1,189+) Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI ranges from $1,378 to $12,025, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,189 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,072 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Moving options from Bakersfield to Milwaukee fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,378 - $12,025 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,072 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,072-mile route from Bakersfield to Milwaukee, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,378 - $5,352 | $1,677 - $3,187 | $1,300 - $2,294 | $1,556 - $2,956 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,554 - $8,080 | $2,257 - $4,604 | $1,327 - $2,816 | $1,700 - $3,612 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,595 - $12,025 | $3,094 - $6,217 | $1,777 - $3,345 | $2,330 - $4,779 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, costs between $1,378 and $12,025. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,072-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $286 - $1,904, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Bakersfield and Milwaukee. For a rough baseline, movers based in Bakersfield tend to start around $420 plus $116/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,378 - $5,352
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,554 - $8,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,595 - $12,025
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 Bakersfield to Milwaukee.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Milwaukee, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Bakersfield, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $1,677 and $6,217. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Bakersfield typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,677 - $3,187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,257 - $4,604
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,094 - $6,217
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $143 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 $666 in Bakersfield, CA, 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 Milwaukee, WI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Wisconsin 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 $1,677. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,257 - $4,604, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 20 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Plan on $1,300 - $3,345 for a rental moving truck on the 2,072-mile route from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $628 - $717
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield to Milwaukee based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,300 - $2,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $2,816
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,777 - $3,345
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,300 - $3,345 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Bakersfield to Milwaukee. Fuel ($628 - $717) , lodging at around $143/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Bakersfield, California, usually costs about $666 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,072-mile drive falls between $628 and $717, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $286 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $857 and $3,612.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,556 - $2,956
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,700 - $3,612
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,330 - $4,779
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Bakersfield, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $666.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $143 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Milwaukee 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Milwaukee, WI
Day-to-day costs in Milwaukee are close to what you're used to in Bakersfield: cost of living index of 88 versus 100, with average rent of $1,250/mo compared to $1,695/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield versus 62/100 and 33.24/100 in Milwaukee.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Wisconsin, 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 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,072-mile move.
Our take
A move from Bakersfield, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,378 - $12,025 on the 2,072-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,677 - $6,217, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,300 - $3,345. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,554 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Milwaukee, WI
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($628 - $717), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.
What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI?
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Milwaukee a safe place to live?
Milwaukee has a safety index of 33.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.76, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
