Moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster costs between $104 to $4,422 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 87-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to Lancaster
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Bakersfield to driving and unloading in Lancaster, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 87 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,264 - $3,761 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $915 - $1,649 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $110 - $175 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mentors Moving & Storage | $116/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Lancaster?
It costs between $104 to $4,422 to move from Bakersfield to Lancaster. The prices below break down your 87-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $661 - $4,422
- Moving containers: $662 - $2,052
- Rental trucks: $104 - $184
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $661 - $2,981 | $662 - $1,134 | $104 - $151 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,264 - $3,761 | $915 - $1,649 | $110 - $175 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,679 - $4,422 | $1,111 - $2,052 | $131 - $184 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $300 - $2,500+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $116/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $200 - $800 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Bakersfield to Lancaster
At 87 miles, your Bakersfield to Lancaster move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Bakersfield to Lancaster. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 87 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to Lancaster. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 87.6% of their 274 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Lancaster
Comparing life in Bakersfield and Lancaster goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Lancaster stacks up against Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,600 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $400,712 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $76,083 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 15.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Lancaster are 53% higher than in Bakersfield. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Lancaster are 16% higher than in Bakersfield. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income levels in Bakersfield and Lancaster are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- If you're moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster, you'll find that everyday costs are pretty much the same. As long as your income stays steady, the move shouldn't have much of an impact on your budget.
- If you’re relocating to Lancaster, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 20% lower than in Bakersfield. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Lancaster is 164% higher than in Bakersfield. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales tax in Lancaster is 24% higher than in Bakersfield, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Bakersfield, you’d need roughly $3,060 to maintain the same lifestyle in Lancaster.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Lancaster
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Lancaster compared to Bakersfield. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Bakersfield | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 173,516 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 58-38 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 98ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 8" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 45.5 |
Lancaster sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Lancaster has about 81% fewer people than Bakersfield. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- In the last presidential election, Lancaster leaned Democratic, while Bakersfield leaned Republican.
- Moving between Bakersfield and Lancaster won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 98°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During winter, Lancaster gets colder than Bakersfield, with average lows of 31°F compared to Bakersfield°F.
- Both Bakersfield and Lancaster experience similar annual rainfall, with Bakersfield receiving 7 inches and Lancaster getting 8 inches.
- Bakersfield sees no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- You’ll feel safer in Lancaster, thanks to its lower crime index (45.5) compared to Bakersfield (58.49).
Things to do in Lancaster
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Lancaster.
Museums in Lancaster
- Lancaster Museum of Art & History
- Western Hotel Museum
- Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours
Parks in Lancaster
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Apollo Community Regional Park
- Saddleback Butte State Park
- Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
- Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park
Sports teams in Lancaster
Universities in Lancaster
- Antelope Valley College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Lancaster?
Shipping furniture from Bakersfield to Lancaster with a mover will cost between $600 and $2,713. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,264–$3,761, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Bakersfield to Lancaster will cost from $1,679–$4,422.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Lancaster?
If you're moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $462 to $1,195. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $915 and $1,649. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,111 up to $2,052.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Lancaster?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $98 and $151. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $110 to $175. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Bakersfield to Lancaster, truck rental prices typically range from $131 up to $184.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Lancaster movers?
For a smooth move from Bakersfield to Lancaster, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lancaster?
To score the best moving deals to Lancaster, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
