Moving from Bakersfield to Long Beach, CA

Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Long Beach costs between $171 to $5,058 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 134-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Bakersfield to Long Beach

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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 134 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,384 - $4,078 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,087 - $1,967 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $186 - $324 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 Long Beach?

It costs between $171 to $5,058 to move from Bakersfield to Long Beach. The prices below break down your 134-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $823 - $5,058
  • Moving containers: $889 - $2,555
  • Rental trucks: $171 - $382
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $823 - $3,597 $889 - $1,429 $171 - $289
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,384 - $4,078 $1,087 - $1,967 $186 - $324
4+ bedrooms $1,984 - $5,058 $1,369 - $2,555 $208 - $382
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

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 Long Beach

At 134 miles, your Bakersfield to Long Beach 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 Long Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 134 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to Long Beach. 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 Long Beach to Bakersfield guide.

Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to Long Beach

Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Long Beach

When weighing the cost of living in Bakersfield versus Long Beach, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Long Beach really compares to Bakersfield.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Bakersfield Long Beach
Average rent cost $1,695 $2,075
Average home cost $345,317 $762,188
Average income (per capita) $77,397 $83,969
Cost of living (single person) $2,493 $2,681
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,940 $6,051
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.2%
Average Sales Tax 8.25% 10.25%
  • Rent prices in Long Beach are 22% higher than in Bakersfield. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in Long Beach are 121% higher than in Bakersfield. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
  • Salaries here are, on average, 8% higher than in Bakersfield. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
  • Living costs for one person are 8% higher in Long Beach compared to Bakersfield, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
  • If you’re moving to Long Beach, you’ll find that the cost of living is 13% lower than in Bakersfield. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
  • Unemployment in Long Beach is 12% lower than in Bakersfield. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
  • Sales taxes are 24% higher in Long Beach than in Bakersfield. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.

To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Bakersfield, you’d need about $3,240 in Long Beach.

How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Long Beach

Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Bakersfield and Long Beach. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.

Bakersfield Long Beach
Population 909,235 451,307
Political leaning Republican 51-46 Democratic 51-46
Summer high 97ºF 79ºF
Winter low 38ºF 46ºF
Annual rain 7" 14"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 58.49 58.58
  • The population of Long Beach is approximately 50% lower than the population of Bakersfield. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
  • In the last presidential election, Long Beach voted Democratic, while Bakersfield voted Republican.
  • Summer temperatures in Long Beach usually peak at 79°F, compared to Bakersfield at 97°F. Moving to a cooler city means breezier summers and less stress from relentless heat.
  • During the coldest months, Bakersfield is colder than Long Beach, with temperatures falling to 38°F compared to Long Beach’s 46°F.
  • Long Beach receives more annual rainfall than Bakersfield, with about 14 inches per year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
  • Both Bakersfield and Long Beach receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Long Beach and Bakersfield have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 58.58 and 58.49, respectively.

Things to do in Long Beach

Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Long Beach has it all.

Museums in Long Beach

  • The Queen Mary
  • Museum of Latin American Art
  • Rancho Los Cerritos
  • Long Beach Museum of Art
  • Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

Parks in Long Beach

  • Bluff Park
  • Rainbow Lagoon Park
  • Bixby Park
  • El Dorado Park West

Sports teams in Long Beach

Universities in Long Beach

  • California State University, Long Beach
  • Long Beach City College

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Long Beach?

If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Long Beach, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $684 and $2,957. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,384 up to $4,078. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,984 to $5,058 for the whole move.

How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Long Beach?

Moving containers from Bakersfield to Long Beach will cost you $625 to $1,353 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,087 to $1,967. A larger home will cost $1,369 to $2,555.

How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Long Beach?

If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.

Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $169 to $281. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $186 and $324. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Bakersfield to Long Beach, costs usually fall between $208 and $382.

How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Long Beach movers?

To make your move from Bakersfield to Long Beach as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Long Beach?

For the best deals on your move to Long Beach, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.