($1,215+) Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN ranges from $1,312 to $12,088, with an average cost of $4,350. Moves can be as low as $1,215 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,082 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 Indianapolis, IN
Moving options from Bakersfield to Indianapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,312 - $12,088 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,350, 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 2,082 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 2,082-mile route from Bakersfield to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,312 for a studio up to $12,088 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,739 - $5,835 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,265 - $3,627, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,565 - $4,767, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Indianapolis, IN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,082-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana, with costs ranging from $1,312 - $12,088. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $283 - $1,888. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Bakersfield and Indianapolis. Local movers in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate plus $116/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,312 - $5,611
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,532 - $7,550
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,690 - $12,088
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 Indianapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Indiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Indianapolis, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $472 - $4,720 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $189 - $1,133/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,266 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $944 - $2,832 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,360 - $9,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $707 - $1,343 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $944 - $2,360 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $755 - $3,304 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $283 - $1,416 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $614 - $1,888 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,160+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,304+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Bakersfield, CA. 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 Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $1,739 and $5,835. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Indianapolis. If you go over that window, storage in Bakersfield adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,739 - $3,309
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,140 - $4,775
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,994 - $5,835
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Bakersfield, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $661, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $71 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $142 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Bakersfield, CA, and Indianapolis, IN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Indiana 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 $1,739. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,140 - $4,775, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
- 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 Indianapolis, IN
A rental truck for this 2,082-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana, costs between $1,265 and $3,627. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $625 - $715
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,265 - $2,536
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,903
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,624 - $3,627
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,265 - $3,627 when pricing out a rental truck from Bakersfield to Indianapolis. Fuel alone runs ($625 - $715) , and overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $330.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $142.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $625 and $715 for the 2,082-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $661 for 2 movers in Bakersfield, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
- 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 Indianapolis, IN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Bakersfield, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,677 and $3,492.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,565 - $2,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,677 - $3,492
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,347 - $4,767
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $71 and $142.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly five hours typically average $661.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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 Indianapolis 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Indianapolis, IN
Bakersfield and Indianapolis land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 86 in Indianapolis, and rent tracks closely too ($1,695/mo vs. $1,399/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (37 vs 31) and safety scores (41.51 vs 39.29) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Indiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,082-mile route.
Our take
A move from Bakersfield, CA, to Indianapolis, IN, 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 $1,312 - $12,088 on the 2,082-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,739 - $5,835, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,265 - $3,627. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,532 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 Anthem and Eli Lilly and Company.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Indianapolis, IN
What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN?
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.
How long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($625 - $715), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $142/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN?
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 $1,287 - $2,903. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,312 to $12,088, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,312 and $12,088, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.
