($386+) Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ ranges from $1,101 to $7,965, with an average cost of $2,550. Moves can be as low as $386 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 $1,101 - $7,965 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,550, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% 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 | $1,101 - $3,704 | $926 - $1,592 | $398 - $727 | $792 - $1,567 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,030 - $4,878 | $1,162 - $2,311 | $407 - $872 | $902 - $1,848 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,691 - $7,965 | $1,657 - $2,849 | $522 - $1,050 | $1,313 - $2,326 |
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 Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
Full-service movers for the 482-mile relocation from Bakersfield, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,101 and $7,965. 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 $316 - $2,104, 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 Bakersfield typically charge a base rate around $420 plus $116 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,101 - $3,704
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,030 - $4,878
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,691 - $7,965
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: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Phoenix, 66% 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 ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $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 items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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 $1,949 - $4,683. A local mover in Bakersfield, CA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Meathead Movers (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Bakersfield, based on our analysis of feedback from 887 customers, 93.8% 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 $926 and $2,849. 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 Bakersfield costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $926 - $1,592
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,162 - $2,311
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,657 - $2,849
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $79 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $158 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 $736 in Bakersfield, CA, 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 Phoenix, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $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 $1,162 - $2,311.
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:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 482 miles from Bakersfield, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, running $398 - $1,050. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $398 - $727
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $407 - $872
- 4+ bedrooms: $522 - $1,050
Pro tip: A rental truck from Bakersfield to Phoenix looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $398 - $1,050. But once you factor in fuel ($161 - $184), overnight lodging ($158/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $161 - $184 for the 482-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 Bakersfield, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $736.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 482-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $158 per night, adding $316 - $473 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $53 and $316.
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
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Bakersfield, California, to Phoenix, Arizona. 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 $947 and $1,848.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $792 - $1,567
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $902 - $1,848
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,326
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $79 - $158 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for about five hours typically runs $736.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Phoenix?
- 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 one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Phoenix quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
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. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Arizona, 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 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 482-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Bakersfield, CA, to Phoenix, AZ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,101 for a studio to $7,965 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 482-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $926 - $2,849. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $398 - $1,050, 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 $2,030 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
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 - $872. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 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 Bakersfield, CA to Phoenix, AZ?
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.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.