($1,510+) Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,605 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,207 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,725 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,454, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,207 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,098 - $7,373, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,605 - $4,499.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,836 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Philadelphia to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,836 - $7,564 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,725 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,725-mile route from Philadelphia to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,454 - $5,854 | $2,098 - $3,770 | $1,605 - $3,048 | $1,799 - $3,357 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,836 - $7,564 | $2,643 - $5,300 | $1,756 - $3,483 | $2,073 - $4,240 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,290 - $12,207 | $3,395 - $7,373 | $2,088 - $4,499 | $2,973 - $6,135 |
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 Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,725-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,454 - $12,207. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $307 - $2,048 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Philadelphia and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Philadelphia movers tend to run around $282 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,454 - $5,854
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,836 - $7,564
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,290 - $12,207
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 Philadelphia to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Bakersfield, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Philadelphia, PA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,098 and $7,373. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,098 - $3,770
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,643 - $5,300
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,395 - $7,373
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $154 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Bakersfield, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $717 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to California 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 $2,098. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,643 - $5,300, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Bakersfield?
- 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 2,725-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,605 and $4,499. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $888 - $1,015
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $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 Philadelphia to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,605 - $3,048
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,483
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,088 - $4,499
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Philadelphia to Bakersfield starts at $1,605 - $4,499, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($888 - $1,015) , overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $888 - $1,015 for the 2,725-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours typically costs around $717.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,725-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $154 per night, adding $307 - $461 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $307.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Bakersfield?
- 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 Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,073 and $4,240.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,799 - $3,357
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,073 - $4,240
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,973 - $6,135
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $717.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $77 and $154 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Bakersfield quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Bakersfield, CA
Philadelphia and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Philadelphia and 100 in Bakersfield, and rent tracks closely too ($1,695/mo vs. $1,695/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (75 vs 37) and safety scores (33.91 vs 41.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to California, 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 106 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 2,725-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,454 for a studio to $12,207 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,725-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,098 - $7,373. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,605 - $4,499, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,836 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Bakersfield, CA
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 Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,756 - $3,483. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?
For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
