Moving from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita costs $98–$4,737, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 81-mile route within California take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita?
Moving from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 81-mile move:
Moving from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita costs between $98 and $4,737, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 81-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,277–$3,688 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $888–$1,631 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $109–$189 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $116/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita?
The cost to move from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita ranges from $98 to $4,737, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 81-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $648–$4,737
- Moving containers: $648–$1,970
- Rental trucks: $98–$188
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 81 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $648–$3,103 | $648–$1,253 | $98–$148 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,277–$3,688 | $888–$1,631 | $109–$189 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,712–$4,737 | $1,110–$1,970 | $127–$188 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Bakersfield to Santa Clarita move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Bakersfield to Santa Clarita move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $116/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 81 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 81 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita to Bakersfield guide.
How does Santa Clarita compare to Bakersfield?
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Santa Clarita
The cost of living in Bakersfield vs. Santa Clarita is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Santa Clarita measures up against Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $3,295 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $722,430 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $119,926 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $3,290 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $6,722 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 9.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.25% | 9.5% |
Cost-of-living data for Bakersfield and Santa Clarita comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Santa Clarita are 94% higher than in Bakersfield. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 94% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Santa Clarita are 109% higher than Bakersfield. Existing equity from a Bakersfield sale may not stretch as far in the Santa Clarita market.
- Average income in Santa Clarita runs 55% higher than Bakersfield. Job seekers can target a salary lift on a same-role move.
- Cost of living for one person is 32% higher in Santa Clarita than Bakersfield. Budget the gap into your monthly plan rather than absorbing it through reduced savings.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 is nearly identical in Santa Clarita and Bakersfield. Expect childcare, groceries, and healthcare to track at similar levels.
- Unemployment in Santa Clarita runs 63% higher than Bakersfield. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Santa Clarita are 15% higher than Bakersfield. Annual spending on taxable goods will land meaningfully higher.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Bakersfield, you'll need about $3,960 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Santa Clarita.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Santa Clarita
A look at how life in Santa Clarita measures up to Bakersfield covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Bakersfield | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 228,673 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 18" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 35.92 |
- Santa Clarita is roughly 75% smaller in size than Bakersfield. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- In the last presidential election, Santa Clarita voted Democratic, while Bakersfield leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Santa Clarita hit 89°F, vs. 97°F in Bakersfield. Cooling costs drop and summer outdoor habits expand.
- Winter lows in Bakersfield hit 38°F, colder than Santa Clarita's 46°F. The milder Santa Clarita winter shortens cold-weather expense and gear demands.
- Annual rainfall in Santa Clarita is 18 inches, vs. 7 inches in Bakersfield. Wet-weather gear, indoor entertainment, and home maintenance all become more relevant.
- Annual snowfall in Bakersfield and Santa Clarita is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Santa Clarita (35.92) runs lower than Bakersfield (58.49). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
Things to do in Santa Clarita
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Santa Clarita's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Santa Clarita
- William S. Hart Museum & Ranch
- Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio
- The Olde World Emporium
Parks in Santa Clarita
- Santa Clarita Woodlands Park
Sports teams in Santa Clarita
- FC Santa Clarita
- i9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)
- Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)
- Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball)
Universities in Santa Clarita
- California Institute of the Arts
Final verdict: best movers from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $98–$4,737 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita?
A full-service move from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita typically costs $611–$2,479 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,277–$3,688. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $1,712 and $4,737 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita?
Moving containers from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $491 and $1,115. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $888–$1,631. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,110 to $1,970.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita?
A rental moving truck from Bakersfield to Santa Clarita costs $100–$162 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $109–$189. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $127–$188.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Santa Clarita movers?
Lock in your movers for a Bakersfield to Santa Clarita move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Clarita?
The cheapest time of year to move to Santa Clarita is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
