($405+) Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ ranges from $1,168 to $8,042, with an average cost of $2,600. Moves can be as low as $405 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 482 miles and usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving options from Bakersfield to Phoenix fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,168 - $8,042 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,600, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 482 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 482-mile route from Bakersfield to Phoenix, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,168 - $3,847 | $933 - $1,688 | $400 - $779 | $857 - $1,551 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,048 - $5,607 | $1,195 - $2,402 | $440 - $961 | $987 - $1,960 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,764 - $8,042 | $1,757 - $3,052 | $559 - $1,091 | $1,379 - $2,491 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 482-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, with costs ranging from $1,168 - $8,042. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $316 - $2,104. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Bakersfield and Phoenix. Local movers in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate plus $116/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,168 - $3,847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,048 - $5,607
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,764 - $8,042
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 Bakersfield to Phoenix.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Phoenix, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $526 - $5,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,052 - $3,156 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,630 - $10,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $788 - $1,497 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $684 - $2,104 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,682+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Phoenix?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Bakersfield, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Bakersfield to Phoenix with a local mover averages $2,109 - $5,775. Working with a local mover based in Bakersfield, CA 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.
Meathead Movers (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Bakersfield, ranked #17 in California, based on our analysis of feedback from 274 customers, 87.6% of which is positive.
Address: 2334 Perseus Ct, Bakersfield, CA, 93308 | Founded: 2003
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $933 and $3,052. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Bakersfield typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $933 - $1,688
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,402
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,052
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Bakersfield, CA and Phoenix, AZ. 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 $736 in Bakersfield, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $79 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $158 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 California to Arizona 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 $933. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,195 - $2,402, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Phoenix?
- 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 20 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Truck rentals from Bakersfield, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, range from $400 - $1,091 for the 482-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $161 - $184
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Bakersfield to Phoenix based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $400 - $779
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $440 - $961
- 4+ bedrooms: $559 - $1,091
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $400 - $1,091 when pricing out a rental truck from Bakersfield to Phoenix. Fuel alone runs ($161 - $184) , and overnight lodging ($158/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $158 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 Bakersfield, California, usually costs about $736 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 482-mile drive falls between $161 and $184, 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 $53 and $316 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Phoenix?
- 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 Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
For larger DIY moves from Bakersfield, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Phoenix, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $987 and $1,960.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $857 - $1,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $1,960
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,379 - $2,491
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $79 - $158 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Bakersfield, California, typically costs $736.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Phoenix?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Phoenix. 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: Bakersfield, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
Good news for your budget: Phoenix isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Bakersfield. Cost of living index runs 113 there against 100 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 37/100 and 41.51/100 here versus 41/100 and 46.94/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Phoenix, AZ to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 482-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 482-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, costs between $1,168 and $8,042 with full-service movers, $933 - $3,052 with a moving container, and $400 - $1,091 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,048 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Phoenix, AZ
What do local movers charge in Bakersfield?
Local movers based in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate, plus $116/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 Phoenix run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.
What are the best neighborhoods in Phoenix?
For families, Arcadia/Biltmore, Ahwatukee, and Coronado are worth a look in Phoenix. If you're moving solo or without kids, Camelback East, Encanto, and Estrella Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Phoenix?
Phoenix has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 56, compared to 37 and 44 in Bakersfield. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Phoenix a safe place to live?
Phoenix has a safety index of 46.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.06, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
