($1,255+) Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN ranges from $1,329 to $11,315, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,255 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 $1,329 - $11,315 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 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% 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:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,329 - $5,193, container $1,676 - $3,003, rental truck $1,195 - $2,375, freight trailer $1,406 - $2,758.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,474 - $7,132, container $2,043 - $4,385, rental truck $1,255 - $2,798, freight trailer $1,651 - $3,577.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,450 - $11,315, container $2,858 - $5,805, rental truck $1,567 - $3,394, freight trailer $2,241 - $4,879.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 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 $1,329 - $11,315. 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: $1,329 - $5,193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,474 - $7,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,450 - $11,315
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.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Indianapolis, 59% 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 ready71% of local movers60% 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 coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $944 - $2,832 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,360 - $9,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $707 - $1,343 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $944 - $2,360 |
| Piano | Any piano type14% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $755 - $3,304 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $283 - $1,416 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $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 is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,676 and $5,805. 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 Bakersfield typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,676 - $3,003
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,043 - $4,385
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,858 - $5,805
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 $1,676. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,043 - $4,385.
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:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana, range from $1,195 - $3,394 for the 2,082-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $1,195 - $2,375
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,255 - $2,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,567 - $3,394
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,195 - $3,394 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $625 - $715 for the 2,082-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 Bakersfield, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $661.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,082-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $142 per night, adding $283 - $425 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $283.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Bakersfield, California, 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 Indianapolis, Indiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,651 and $3,577.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $2,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,651 - $3,577
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,241 - $4,879
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $142 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Bakersfield, California, typically costs $661.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
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 average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $1,399/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 37 vs 31 and safety scores are 41.51 vs 39.29.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Indiana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,126 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 2,082-mile move.
Our take
The 2,082-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Indianapolis, IN, costs between $1,329 and $11,315 with full-service movers, $1,676 - $5,805 with a moving container, and $1,195 - $3,394 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,474 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 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 $1,255 - $2,798. 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 $1,255 to $11,315, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,329 and $11,315, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Bakersfield?
Local movers based in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate, plus $116/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Indianapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 14% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.