($785+) Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $802 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,320 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,225 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,580, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,320 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,322 - $4,715, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $802 - $2,175.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,286 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,286 - $7,522. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,225 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,225-mile route from Missoula to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,580 - $6,285 | $1,322 - $2,430 | $802 - $1,469 | $1,177 - $2,297 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,286 - $7,522 | $1,651 - $3,250 | $911 - $1,765 | $1,293 - $2,873 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,888 - $10,320 | $2,260 - $4,715 | $1,058 - $2,175 | $1,845 - $3,518 |
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 Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA
For the 1,225-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $2,580 and $10,320. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $323 - $2,156 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Missoula generally start around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,580 - $6,285
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,286 - $7,522
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,888 - $10,320
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 Missoula to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana 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 Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula 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 | $539 - $5,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $216 - $1,294/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,587 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,078 - $3,234 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,695 - $10,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $807 - $1,534 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $701 - $2,156 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,773+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Missoula, MT. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,322 and $4,715. 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 Missoula runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,322 - $2,430
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,651 - $3,250
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,715
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Missoula, MT and Bakersfield, CA. 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 $755 in Missoula, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $81 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $162 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.
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 $1,322. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,651 - $3,250, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- All Lanes Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,225-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $802 and $2,175, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $420 - $480
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
| 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 Missoula to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $802 - $1,469
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,765
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,175
Pro tip: The base rate of $802 - $2,175 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Missoula to Bakersfield. Fuel ($420 - $480) , lodging at around $162/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Missoula, Montana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $755.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $420 - $480 for the 1,225-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $65 and $350, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $162 per night for hotel stops on the 1,225-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $323 - $485.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula 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 Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Missoula, Montana, 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 $1,293 and $2,873.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,177 - $2,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,293 - $2,873
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,845 - $3,518
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $81 - $162 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about five hours typically runs $755.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Bakersfield?
- 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.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Bakersfield fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Bakersfield, CA
Missoula and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 113 in Missoula and 100 in Bakersfield, and rent tracks closely too ($1,322/mo vs. $1,695/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (45 vs 37) and safety scores (66.73 vs 41.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from Montana to California, 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 11 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,225-mile move.
Our take
A move from Missoula, MT, 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 $2,580 - $10,320 on the 1,225-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,322 - $4,715, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $802 - $2,175. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,286 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 Missoula, MT, to Bakersfield, CA
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 Missoula, MT 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 do local movers charge in Missoula?
Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Bakersfield run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,580 to $10,320, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,580 and $10,320, 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 Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.
