Top-rated local movers that handle Phoenix to Bakersfield moves
When planning a move from Phoenix to Bakersfield, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 67 local movers in Phoenix who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Phoenix to Bakersfield.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Beltmann Relocation Group: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Gilbert Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Arizona Discount Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Camelback Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: Scottsdale Moving & Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 751097
Alternate Names: Beltmann Group Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Alternate Names: Gilbert Moving and Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 46
DOT #: 1990876
Alternate Names: Arizona Discount Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1635834
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix to Bakersfield?
Movers in Arizona charge $154 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 – $3,225 | $664 – $1,563 | $409 – $749 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,010 – $5,391 | $1,127 – $2,174 | $407 – $880 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,339 – $7,282 | $1,499 – $2,820 | $506 – $1,081 |
Cost to hire movers from Phoenix to Bakersfield
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Phoenix to Bakersfield, you can expect to spend between $1,157 and $3,225. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,010 to $5,391 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Phoenix to Bakersfield typically runs between $3,339 and $7,282.
Cost of moving containers from Phoenix to Bakersfield
When moving from Phoenix to Bakersfield, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $664 and $1,563. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,127 to $2,174. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,499 up to $2,820. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Phoenix to Bakersfield
Renting a moving truck in Phoenix is usually your cheapest option to get to Bakersfield. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $409 and $749. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $407 and $880. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $506 and $1,081.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Phoenix to Bakersfield
The cost of Phoenix movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,559, but larger homes can run up to $6,228.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Phoenix.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($409–$946) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Phoenix to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Bakersfield runs about 5% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Phoenix.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Phoenix versus $2,369 in Phoenix; families pay $6,940 compared with $5,226.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Phoenix | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,664 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,634 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $411,139 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,369 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,226 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.6% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Phoenix to Bakersfield, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Bakersfield and Phoenix, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 14% higher in Bakersfield compared to Phoenix, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Bakersfield and Phoenix, you shouldn’t see much difference.
- If your journey leads to Bakersfield, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 33% more than it is in Phoenix.
- Bakersfield experiences an unemployment rate that is about 11% lower than that of Phoenix. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Bakersfield and Phoenix (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 432% higher in California compared to Arizona. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Phoenix with Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Phoenix | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $75.22 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $34.08 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Phoenix than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
- Bread is more expensive in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Phoenix than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. Bakersfield
| Phoenix | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,608,139 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 56 | 44 |
| Crime index | 53.06 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 46.94 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Bakersfield’s population is about 43% less than Phoenix.
- Bakersfield’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Phoenix’s score of 6.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Phoenix with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Phoenix’s 41 out of 100.
- Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Phoenix, which has a score of 56.
- Bakersfield’s crime rate is higher than Phoenix with a score of 58.49 compared to Phoenix’s 53.06. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Phoenix with a score of 41.51 vs Phoenix’s 46.94.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Phoenix it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Bakersfield smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Now that you’ve chosen California’s Country Music Capital as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Bakersfield
- The Oaks
- Westchester
- Laurelglen
- Belsera
Best neighborhoods for families
- Seven Oaks
- Northwest Bakersfield
- Southwest Bakersfield
- Olde Stockdale
- Haggin Oaks
Things to do in Bakersfield
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Bakersfield is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Bakersfield offers cultural landmarks like the Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Bakersfield?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Phoenix to Bakersfield are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Phoenix are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to Bakersfield?
Because spring and fall moves from Phoenix to Bakersfield are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Phoenix to Bakersfield take?
A move of 480 miles from Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Phoenix sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Bakersfield is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Phoenix?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Phoenix, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 4 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Phoenix offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 53 movers in Phoenix have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 36 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across AZ, there are 72 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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