($1,330) Movers From Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA

What to know before moving from Mesa to Bakersfield

Moving from Mesa to Bakersfield comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Bakersfield is generally more expensive than Mesa, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Bakersfield are 5% lower than in Mesa, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Bakersfield.
  Home prices in Bakersfield are 10.0% lower than in Mesa.
• Income in Bakersfield is 14.4% higher than in Mesa, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Bakersfield include Bakersfield City School District, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Kern High School District.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 3.2% higher than in Mesa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 24.7% higher than in Mesa.
• The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 3.28% lower than in Mesa.
• Sales taxes are the same in Bakersfield and Mesa.
• State income taxes in Bakersfield are 432.00% higher than in Mesa.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,095.61 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mesa.

How life is different in Mesa vs. Bakersfield

• Bakersfield's population is about 80% greater than Mesa.
• Bakersfield's public transportation has a similar score to Mesa.
• Bakersfield and Mesa are similarily walkable.
• Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Mesa, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
• Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Mesa with a score of 58.49 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
• Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Mesa with a score of 41.51 vs Mesa's 55.33.
• Air quality in Bakersfield is good, and in Mesa it's good.

Other things to consider for your Mesa vs. Bakersfield move

• Weather: Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Bakersfield. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Bakersfield

Now that you've decided to make the move to "California's Country Music Capital", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Bakersfield.

Helpful moving resources