New Orleans, LA to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best LA→CA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 32 Louisiana moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from New Orleans to Bakersfield

Many movers find Bakersfield easier on the wallet than New Orleans - roughly 20% less for singles and 12% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Bakersfield versus $3,134 in New Orleans. For a family of four, it's $6,940 compared with $7,905.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	New Orleans	Bakersfield
Average 1 BR rent	$1,813	$1,850
Average 3 BR rent	$3,150	$2,450
Average home value	$231,649	$389,732
Average income (per capita)	$51,116	$73,827
Cost of living (single)	$3,134	$2,493
Cost of living (family of four)	$7,905	$6,940
Unemployment rate	11.0%	5.9%
Sales tax	10.0%	8.25%
State income tax	4.25%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Your budget won't be hit too hard when you move to Bakersfield from New Orleans with rent being about the same in each state.
Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 68% steeper in Bakersfield compared to New Orleans.
Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 44% greater in Bakersfield than in New Orleans, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Bakersfield. The cost of living for a single person there is 20% below that of New Orleans.
A move to Bakersfield can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower compared to New Orleans.
Bakersfield has a lower unemployment rate than New Orleans by about 46%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
Sales taxes are 18% cheaper in Bakersfield compared to New Orleans. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
Income taxes are 213% more in California than in Louisiana. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in New Orleans versus Bakersfield:

Living Expense	New Orleans	Bakersfield
Basic utilities	$244.46	$340.00
Cell phone plan	$58.50	$53.67
Dozen eggs	$4.35	$2.95
Loaf of bread	$4.03	$3.81
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$25.50	$25.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$124.00	$67.50
Gym membership	$61.75	$36.50

Basic utilities cost less in New Orleans than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in New Orleans than in Bakersfield.
Eggs cost more in New Orleans than in Bakersfield.
Bread is more expensive in New Orleans than in Bakersfield.
A quick meal tends to cost more in New Orleans than in Bakersfield.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New Orleans than in Bakersfield.
Gym memberships cost more in New Orleans than in Bakersfield.

How life is different in New Orleans vs. Bakersfield

	New Orleans	Bakersfield
Population	383,997	909,235
Transportation score	7	4
Walkability score	58	37
Bike friendliness score	66	44
Crime index	67.31	58.49
Safety index	32.69	41.51
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Bakersfield's population is about 137% greater than New Orleans.
Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than New Orleans's score of 7.
Bakersfield is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 37 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 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 New Orleans, which has a score of 66.
Bakersfield's crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 58.49 compared to New Orleans's 67.31. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
Bakersfield is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 41.51 vs New Orleans's 32.69.
Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in New Orleans it's Good.

Other things to consider for your New Orleans to Bakersfield move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Bakersfield. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Bakersfield

With your sights set on California's Country Music Capital, these are some of the most popular 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

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Bakersfield. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Bakersfield is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Bakersfield?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from New Orleans to Bakersfield. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in New Orleans.

When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Bakersfield?

Want to save on your move from New Orleans to Bakersfield? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from New Orleans to Bakersfield take?

The 1,954-mile move from New Orleans, LA, to Bakersfield, CA, takes five to 16 days. Some New Orleans movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Bakersfield.

What kinds of discounts do New Orleans movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In New Orleans, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in New Orleans?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in New Orleans provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.