($394+) Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $394 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,061 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 480 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 $1,128, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,061 or more.
- Moving containers run $937 - $3,121, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $394 - $1,105.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,074 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 Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,074 - $5,352. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 78% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 480-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 480-mile route from Phoenix to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,128 - $3,673 | $937 - $1,594 | $394 - $721 | $818 - $1,450 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,074 - $5,352 | $1,140 - $2,246 | $446 - $864 | $990 - $1,926 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,415 - $8,061 | $1,629 - $3,121 | $566 - $1,105 | $1,214 - $2,307 |
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 Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
For the 480-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $1,128 and $8,061. 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 Phoenix generally start around $140 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $3,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,074 - $5,352
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,415 - $8,061
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 Phoenix to Bakersfield.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Phoenix 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: Camelback Moving | $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 lbs53% 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: Budget Movers | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Assurance Moving And Storage | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Assurance Moving And Storage | $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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to Bakersfield with a local mover averages $1,992 - $5,138. Working with a local mover based in Phoenix, AZ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $937 and $3,121. 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 Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $937 - $1,594
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,140 - $2,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,629 - $3,121
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $162 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 $755 in Phoenix, AZ. 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 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 $937. 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 $1,140 - $2,246.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 480 miles from Phoenix, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, running $394 - $1,105. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $165 - $188
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Phoenix 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 Phoenix to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $394 - $721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $446 - $864
- 4+ bedrooms: $566 - $1,105
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Phoenix to Bakersfield starts at $394 - $1,105, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($165 - $188), overnight lodging ($162/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $165 - $188 for the 480-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $755.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 480-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $162 per night, adding $323 - $485 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $323.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Phoenix, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $990 and $1,926.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $818 - $1,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $990 - $1,926
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,214 - $2,307
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?
- 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 Phoenix, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $755.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: Phoenix, AZ vs Bakersfield, CA
Good news for your budget: Bakersfield isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Phoenix. Cost of living index runs 100 there against 113 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 41/100 and 46.94/100 here versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 228 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 480-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,128 for a studio to $8,061 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 480-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $937 - $3,121. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $394 - $1,105, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,074 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Phoenix, 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 - $864. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Phoenix, AZ 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 do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.