($1,562+) Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA ranges from $1,421 to $12,522, with an average cost of $4,850. Moves can be as low as $1,562 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,679 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Bakersfield to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,421 - $12,522 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,850, 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 2,679 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,679-mile route from Bakersfield to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,421 - $6,495 | $2,035 - $3,685 | $1,500 - $2,968 | $1,725 - $3,556 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,115 - $8,247 | $2,510 - $5,075 | $1,761 - $3,641 | $1,967 - $4,488 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,362 - $12,522 | $3,567 - $7,133 | $2,075 - $4,557 | $2,684 - $5,531 |
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 Arlington, VA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,679-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Arlington, Virginia, with costs ranging from $1,421 - $12,522. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $377 - $2,512. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Bakersfield and Arlington. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,421 - $6,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,115 - $8,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,362 - $12,522
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 Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $628 - $6,280 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $251 - $1,507/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $377 - $3,014 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,256 - $3,768 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,140 - $12,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $941 - $1,787 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,256 - $3,140 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,005 - $4,396 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $377 - $1,884 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $816 - $2,512 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $377 - $18,840+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $377 - $4,396+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Arlington?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Bakersfield, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $2,035 and $7,133. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Bakersfield runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,035 - $3,685
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,510 - $5,075
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,567 - $7,133
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Bakersfield, CA and Arlington, VA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $879 in Bakersfield, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $94 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $188 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Virginia 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 $2,035. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,510 - $5,075, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Arlington, Virginia, range from $1,500 - $4,557 for the 2,679-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,071 - $1,224
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,500 - $2,968
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,641
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,075 - $4,557
Pro tip: A rental truck from Bakersfield to Arlington looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,500 - $4,557. But once you factor in fuel ($1,071 - $1,224) , overnight lodging ($188/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $94 and $440.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $188.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,071 and $1,224 for the 2,679-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 $879 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 Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia.
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 $1,967 and $4,488.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,725 - $3,556
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,967 - $4,488
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,684 - $5,531
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $94 and $188.
- 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 $879.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 Arlington 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 Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Bakersfield on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Bakersfield, CA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $345,317 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $77,397/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 41.51/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,679-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Bakersfield, CA, to Arlington, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,421 for a studio to $12,522 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,679-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,035 - $7,133. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,500 - $4,557, 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 $4,115 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 U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Arlington, VA
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 Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV).
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 37 and 44 in Bakersfield. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, 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.