($1,013+) Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Little Rock, AR, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $992 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,920 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,680 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,565, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,920 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,586 - $5,278, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $992 - $2,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Little Rock, AR, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,494 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Little Rock to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,494 - $7,136 on this route, with movers handling 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 1,680-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,680-mile route from Little Rock to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,565 - $5,566 | $1,586 - $2,986 | $992 - $2,087 | $1,399 - $2,455 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,494 - $7,136 | $1,950 - $4,178 | $1,106 - $2,339 | $1,638 - $3,310 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,727 - $10,920 | $2,552 - $5,278 | $1,395 - $2,773 | $2,063 - $4,481 |
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 Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,680-mile relocation from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,565 and $10,920. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $266 - $1,772, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Little Rock typically charge a base rate around $100 plus $94 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Little Rock to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,565 - $5,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,494 - $7,136
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,727 - $10,920
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 Little Rock to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arkansas to California. 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 Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Little Rock 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 packing100% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items44% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Elite Movers Inc | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Elite Movers Inc | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Little Rock to Bakersfield?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Little Rock, AR, 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 Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,586 and $5,278. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Little Rock typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Little Rock to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,586 - $2,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,950 - $4,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,552 - $5,278
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $66 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $133 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 $620 in Little Rock, AR. 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 Arkansas 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 $1,586. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,950 - $4,178, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Little Rock 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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 16 years in business
- Elite Movers Inc (4.9/5), 20 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA
Plan on $992 - $2,773 for a rental moving truck on the 1,680-mile route from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Bakersfield, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $474 - $541
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Little Rock 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 Little Rock to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $992 - $2,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,339
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,395 - $2,773
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $992 - $2,773 does not include fuel ($474 - $541) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Little Rock to Bakersfield typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Little Rock, Arkansas, usually costs about $620 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,680-mile drive falls between $474 and $541, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $44 and $266 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Little Rock 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 Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Bakersfield, California, 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 $1,638 and $3,310.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Little Rock to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,399 - $2,455
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,638 - $3,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,063 - $4,481
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $133 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 Little Rock, Arkansas, typically costs $620.
What are the best freight companies from Little Rock to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Maverick Transportation, LLC (4.8/5 stars): Maverick Transportation, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Little Rock, AR vs Bakersfield, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Bakersfield, side by side with Little Rock on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Little Rock, AR | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 81 | 100 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $220,588 | $345,317 |
| Average income | $60,583/yr | $77,397/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.0% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 39.94/100 | 41.51/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Bakersfield, CA to Little Rock, AR guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arkansas to California, 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. Arkansas alone has 23 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,680-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Little Rock, AR, to Bakersfield, CA, 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 $2,565 - $10,920 on the 1,680-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,586 - $5,278, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $992 - $2,773. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,494 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 Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Little Rock, AR, to Bakersfield, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA?
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 Little Rock, AR 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($474 - $541), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Little Rock, AR 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 $1,106 - $2,339. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Little Rock, AR to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,565 to $10,920, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,565 and $10,920, 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 Little Rock movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Little Rock handle piano moves, and 44% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.