The best local movers for Bakersfield to Tempe moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Bakersfield that also handles long-distance moves to Tempe. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Bakersfield who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Bakersfield to Tempe.
- Meathead Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Hansen’s Moving and Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage : 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0130609
Years in Business: 53
DOT #: 2728836
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192218
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3455958
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA , Excel Relocation Systems
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 credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190666
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 076235
Alternate Names: Express Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Tempe?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,101 – $3,225 | $624 – $1,500 | $394 – $705 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,971 – $4,981 | $1,198 – $2,380 | $424 – $863 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,656 – $7,282 | $1,546 – $3,084 | $528 – $1,102 |
Cost to hire movers from Bakersfield to Tempe
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Tempe will cost between $1,101 and $3,225. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Bakersfield will range from $1,971 to $4,981, and a large move from Bakersfield to Tempe will cost from $3,656 to $7,282.
Cost of moving containers from Bakersfield to Tempe
If you’re moving from Bakersfield to Tempe, expect to pay between $624 and $1,500 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,198 up to $2,380. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,546 and $3,084. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Tempe
Renting a moving truck from Bakersfield to Tempe is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $394 and $705. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $424 and $863. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $528 up to $1,102 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Bakersfield to Tempe
The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,438, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,356.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Bakersfield, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($394–$965) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Tempe
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tempe runs about 118% higher for singles and -2% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $5,433 in Bakersfield versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $6,810 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,900 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $471,494 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $64,080 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $5,433 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.1% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.5% |
- Rent is estimated to be 8% higher in Tempe compared to Bakersfield; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 21% greater in Tempe than in Bakersfield.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 13% lower in Tempe compared to Bakersfield.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 118% higher than in Bakersfield. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Tempe and Bakersfield, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Tempe enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 8% lower compared to Bakersfield, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Tempe and Bakersfield (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 81% less in Arizona than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Bakersfield and Tempe:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.17 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
- Bread costs less in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
- Gym memberships cost more in Bakersfield than in Tempe.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Tempe
| Bakersfield | Tempe | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 180,587 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 75 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 42.36 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 57.64 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tempe’s population is about 80% less than Bakersfield.
- Tempe’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield’s score of 4.
- Tempe is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Bakersfield’s 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 75 out of 100, Tempe is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Tempe’s crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 42.36 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49. This means that Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Tempe is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 57.64 vs Bakersfield’s 41.51.
- Air quality in Tempe is Good, and in Bakersfield it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Tempe move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Tempe. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Tempe
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Tempe, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
Once you’re settled into your new home in Arizona, it’s time to get out and discover what Tempe has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tempe, such as the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, and ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Tempe?
The best time to move from Bakersfield to Tempe is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Tempe?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Bakersfield to Tempe, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Tempe take?
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Tempe, covers 491 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Bakersfield movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tempe.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Bakersfield?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 2 movers in Bakersfield advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Bakersfield provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Bakersfield moving services
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