Moving from Bakersfield to San Diego, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to San Diego costs between $314 to $6,645 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 238-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to San Diego
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to San Diego 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 San Diego, 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 238 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,782 - $4,918 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,219 - $2,366 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $360 - $670 | 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 San Diego?
It costs between $314 to $6,645 to move from Bakersfield to San Diego. The prices below break down your 238-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,123 - $6,645
- Moving containers: $975 - $2,976
- Rental trucks: $314 - $794
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,123 - $4,192 | $975 - $1,708 | $314 - $555 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,782 - $4,918 | $1,219 - $2,366 | $360 - $670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,413 - $6,645 | $1,686 - $2,976 | $410 - $794 |
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 San Diego
At 238 miles, your Bakersfield to San Diego 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 San Diego. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 238 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to San Diego. 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 San Diego to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to San Diego
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. San Diego
The cost of living in Bakersfield vs. San Diego 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 San Diego 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 | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $847,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $104,321 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 70% 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 San Diego are 145% 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 San Diego, where average income is 35% higher than in Bakersfield — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 34% higher in San Diego compared to Bakersfield. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to San Diego, plan for living expenses to be about 11% higher than in Bakersfield. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so San Diego is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 12% 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.
- With sales taxes 6% lower in San Diego than Bakersfield, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Bakersfield, you’ll need about $4,020 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in San Diego.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. San Diego
Before you move, check out how life in San Diego 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 | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 1,386,932 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 60-37 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 39.83 |
San Diego sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Diego has a population roughly 53% higher than Bakersfield. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, San Diego voted Democratic, while Bakersfield leaned Republican.
- In San Diego, summer highs top out around 79°F, lower than Bakersfield’s 97°F. Relocating here means milder summers and a more relaxed pace outdoors.
- During winter, Bakersfield gets colder than San Diego, with lows reaching 38°F compared to San Diego’s 46°F.
- Both Bakersfield and San Diego see similar yearly rainfall—Bakersfield averages 7 inches, while San Diego gets 12 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and San Diego receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Diego posts a lower crime rate than Bakersfield, with a crime index of 39.83 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49.
Things to do in San Diego
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, San Diego has plenty to offer:
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to San Diego?
Shipping furniture from Bakersfield to San Diego with a moving company typically costs between $985 and $3,308. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,782 to $4,918. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,413 and $6,645 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to San Diego?
If you’re planning a move from Bakersfield to San Diego and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $678 and $1,563. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,219 to $2,366. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,686 to $2,976.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to San Diego?
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 $333 and $572. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $360 and $670. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Bakersfield to San Diego, truck rentals usually range from $410 up to $794.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-San Diego movers?
To make your move from Bakersfield to San Diego 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 San Diego?
The cheapest time of year to move to San Diego 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.
