Moving from Bakersfield to Sacramento, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Sacramento costs between $383 to $6,895 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 277-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to Sacramento
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to Sacramento 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 Sacramento, 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 277 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,863 - $5,643 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,243 - $2,406 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $372 - $765 | 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 Sacramento?
It costs between $383 to $6,895 to move from Bakersfield to Sacramento. The prices below break down your 277-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,133 - $6,895
- Moving containers: $983 - $3,108
- Rental trucks: $383 - $885
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,133 - $4,542 | $983 - $1,787 | $383 - $686 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,863 - $5,643 | $1,243 - $2,406 | $372 - $765 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,573 - $6,895 | $1,640 - $3,108 | $470 - $885 |
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 Sacramento
At 277 miles, your Bakersfield to Sacramento 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 Sacramento. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 277 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to Sacramento. 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 Sacramento to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to Sacramento
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Sacramento
The cost of living in Bakersfield vs. Sacramento isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Sacramento compares to what you’re used to in Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,899 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $483,739 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $83,753 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Sacramento are 12% higher than in Bakersfield, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Sacramento are 40% higher than in Bakersfield, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Sacramento, where average income is 8% higher than in Bakersfield — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 7% higher in Sacramento compared to Bakersfield. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- Good news, living costs are 11% lower in Sacramento than in Bakersfield. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 31% higher than in Bakersfield. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Sacramento are 6% higher than in Bakersfield, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Bakersfield, you’ll need about $3,210 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Sacramento.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Sacramento
Before you move, check out how life in Sacramento measures up to Bakersfield. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Bakersfield | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 524,943 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 49.21 |
Sacramento sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Sacramento has roughly 42% fewer people than Bakersfield. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Sacramento voted Democratic, while Bakersfield leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both Sacramento and Bakersfield have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Bakersfield and Sacramento—with winter lows around 38°F and 39°F.
- Sacramento typically gets more rainfall than Bakersfield, with an annual average of 20 inches compared to just Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and Sacramento receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Sacramento posts a lower crime rate than Bakersfield, with a crime index of 49.21 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49.
Things to do in Sacramento
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Sacramento has plenty to offer:
Museums in Sacramento
- California State Railroad Museum
- Crocker Art Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Old Sacramento
- California Automobile Museum
Parks in Sacramento
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
- Capitol Park
- William Land Park
- McKinley Park
- American River Parkway
Sports teams in Sacramento
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
- Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)
Universities in Sacramento
- California State University-Sacramento
- Epic Bible College
- MTI College
- Asher College
- Carrington College-Sacramento
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Sacramento?
Shipping furniture from Bakersfield to Sacramento with a moving company typically costs between $1,088 and $3,621. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,863 to $5,643. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,573 and $6,895 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Sacramento?
If you’re planning a move from Bakersfield to Sacramento and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $736 and $1,754. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,243 to $2,406. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,640 to $3,108.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Sacramento?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $361 and $686. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $372 and $765. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Bakersfield to Sacramento, truck rentals usually range from $470 up to $885.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Sacramento movers?
To make your move from Bakersfield to Sacramento as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sacramento?
The cheapest time of year to move to Sacramento is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
