Moving from Bakersfield to San Francisco, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to San Francisco costs between $379 to $7,256 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 282-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to San Francisco
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 282 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,862 - $5,535 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,294 - $2,480 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $408 - $804 | 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 Francisco?
It costs between $379 to $7,256 to move from Bakersfield to San Francisco. The prices below break down your 282-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,157 - $7,256
- Moving containers: $1,086 - $3,138
- Rental trucks: $379 - $978
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 - $4,498 | $1,086 - $1,841 | $379 - $646 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,862 - $5,535 | $1,294 - $2,480 | $408 - $804 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,680 - $7,256 | $1,691 - $3,138 | $514 - $978 |
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 Francisco
At 282 miles, your Bakersfield to San Francisco 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 Francisco. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 282 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to San Francisco. 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 Francisco to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to San Francisco
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. San Francisco
When weighing the cost of living in Bakersfield versus San Francisco, 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 San Francisco really compares to Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $3,250 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $141,446 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 8.63% |
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 92% 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 San Francisco are 298% 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, 83% 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 52% higher in San Francisco compared to Bakersfield, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 26% higher than in Bakersfield. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make San Francisco less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in San Francisco is 8% 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 the same in San Francisco and Bakersfield, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Bakersfield, you’d need about $4,560 in San Francisco.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. San Francisco
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Bakersfield and San Francisco. 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 | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 808,988 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 85-13 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 67ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 25" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 61.41 |
San Francisco sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of San Francisco is approximately 11% 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, San Francisco voted Democratic, while Bakersfield voted Republican.
- Summer temperatures in San Francisco usually peak at 67°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 San Francisco, with temperatures falling to 38°F compared to San Francisco’s 46°F.
- San Francisco receives more annual rainfall than Bakersfield, with about 25 inches per year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and San Francisco receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Francisco and Bakersfield have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 61.41 and 58.49, respectively.
Things to do in San Francisco
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? San Francisco has it all.
Museums in San Francisco
- Exploratorium
- California Academy of Sciences
- Walt Disney Family Museum
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Legion of Honor
Parks in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Park
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Mission Dolores Park
- Crissy Field
- Yerba Buena Gardens
Sports teams in San Francisco
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Universities in San Francisco
- City College of San Francisco
- San Francisco State University
- University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- University of California, San Francisco
- Academy of Art University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to San Francisco?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Bakersfield to San Francisco, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,066 and $3,802. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,862 up to $5,535. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,680 to $7,256 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to San Francisco?
Moving containers from Bakersfield to San Francisco will cost you $757 to $1,807 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,294 to $2,480. A larger home will cost $1,691 to $3,138.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to San Francisco?
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 $365 to $646. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $408 and $804. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Bakersfield to San Francisco, costs usually fall between $514 and $978.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-San Francisco movers?
To make your move from Bakersfield to San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
For the best deals on your move to San Francisco, 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.
