($418+) Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Mesa, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $418 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,523 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 499 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,152, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,523 or more.
- Moving containers run $919 - $3,032, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $418 - $1,052.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mesa, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,995 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 Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Mesa 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 $1,995 - $4,989. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 78% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 499 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 499-mile route from Mesa to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,152 for a studio up to $7,523 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $919 - $3,032 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $418 - $1,052, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $810 - $2,330, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 499-mile relocation from Mesa, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,152 and $7,523. 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 $323 - $2,156, 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 Mesa typically charge a base rate around $175 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mesa to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $3,710
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,995 - $4,989
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,664 - $7,523
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 Mesa to Bakersfield.
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 Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Mesa movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $539 - $5,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $216 - $1,294/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,587 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% 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 items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $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 Mesa to Bakersfield?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Mesa, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Mesa to Bakersfield with a local mover averages $1,936 - $4,840. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Mesa, AZ can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Mesa, based on our analysis of feedback from 146 customers, 82.9% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Mesa, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $919 and $3,032. 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 Mesa typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mesa to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,248 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,549 - $3,032
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $81 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $162 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $755 in Mesa, AZ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Bakersfield, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $919. 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 $1,248 - $2,316.
What are the best moving containers Mesa 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 Mesa 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 Mesa:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 499 miles from Mesa, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, running $418 - $1,052. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $171 - $196
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Mesa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Mesa to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $418 - $714
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $446 - $882
- 4+ bedrooms: $539 - $1,052
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $418 - $1,052 does not include fuel ($171 - $196), lodging ($162/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Mesa to Bakersfield typically runs 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 $162 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 Mesa, Arizona, usually costs about $755 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 499-mile drive falls between $171 and $196, 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 $54 and $323 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mesa 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 Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Mesa, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $970 and $1,797.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mesa to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $810 - $1,510
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $913 - $1,797
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,303 - $2,330
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Mesa, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $755.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $162 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Mesa 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.
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: Mesa, AZ vs Bakersfield, CA
Mesa and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 113 in Mesa and 100 in Bakersfield, and average rent is $1,786/mo vs. $1,695/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 38 vs 37 and safety scores are 55.33 vs 41.51.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Mesa, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona 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 228 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 499-mile move.
Our take
A move from Mesa, AZ, 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 $1,152 - $7,523 on the 499-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $919 - $3,032, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $418 - $1,052. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,995 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 Mesa, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA
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.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 55.33 and 44.67 in Mesa. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Mesa, AZ 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 $446 - $882. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 Mesa, AZ to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Mesa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Mesa handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.