($378+) Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $378 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,510 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 490 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 $1,115, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,510 or more.
- Moving containers run $926 - $3,025, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $378 - $1,060.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,069 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 Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Tempe to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,069 - $5,135 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 80% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 490 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 490-mile route from Tempe to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,115 - $3,704 | $926 - $1,692 | $378 - $764 | $850 - $1,522 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,069 - $5,135 | $1,174 - $2,334 | $407 - $915 | $969 - $1,757 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,656 - $7,510 | $1,641 - $3,025 | $506 - $1,060 | $1,199 - $2,444 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 490-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $1,115 - $7,510. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $323 - $2,156 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Tempe and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Tempe movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,115 - $3,704
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,069 - $5,135
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,656 - $7,510
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 Tempe to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe 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: Mentors 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 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: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $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 Tempe to Bakersfield?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Tempe, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Tempe to Bakersfield with a local mover averages $2,089 - $5,186. Working with a local mover based in Tempe, 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 Tempe, 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 Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $926 and $3,025. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tempe costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $926 - $1,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,641 - $3,025
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe, AZ, 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.
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 $926. 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 $1,174 - $2,334.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 490-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $378 and $1,060, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $168 - $192
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $378 - $764
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $407 - $915
- 4+ bedrooms: $506 - $1,060
Pro tip: A rental truck from Tempe to Bakersfield looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $378 - $1,060. But once you factor in fuel ($168 - $192), overnight lodging ($162/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 Tempe, Arizona, usually costs about $755 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 490-mile drive falls between $168 and $192, 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 Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Tempe, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $969 and $1,757.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $850 - $1,522
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $969 - $1,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,199 - $2,444
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 Tempe, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $755.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tempe to Bakersfield. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Bakersfield, CA
Tempe and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 113 in Tempe and 100 in Bakersfield, and average rent is $1,834/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 54 vs 37 and safety scores are 57.64 vs 41.51.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, 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 242 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 490-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 490-mile route from Tempe, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA, run $1,115 - $7,510 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $926 - $3,025, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $378 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,069, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Bakersfield, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ 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.
What do local movers charge in Tempe?
Local movers based in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $85/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.
How long does a move from Tempe, 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tempe, 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 $407 - $915. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.