Moving from Bakersfield to Stockton, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Stockton costs between $304 to $6,510 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 234-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield to Stockton
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Bakersfield to Stockton 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 Stockton, 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 234 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,729 - $5,379 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,282 - $2,366 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $339 - $690 | 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 Stockton?
It costs between $304 to $6,510 to move from Bakersfield to Stockton. The prices below break down your 234-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,123 - $6,510
- Moving containers: $995 - $2,857
- Rental trucks: $304 - $762
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,123 - $4,318 | $995 - $1,760 | $304 - $583 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,729 - $5,379 | $1,282 - $2,366 | $339 - $690 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,413 - $6,510 | $1,720 - $2,857 | $431 - $762 |
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 Stockton
At 234 miles, your Bakersfield to Stockton 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 Stockton. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 234 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Bakersfield to Stockton. 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 Stockton to Bakersfield guide.
Considerations when moving from Bakersfield to Stockton
Cost of living: Bakersfield vs. Stockton
When weighing the cost of living in Bakersfield versus Stockton, 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 Stockton really compares to Bakersfield.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Bakersfield | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,775 |
| Average home cost | $345,317 | $410,790 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,397 | $76,851 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,493 | $3,767 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,940 | $6,810 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 10.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Stockton are similar to those in Bakersfield, so your housing budget won’t change much, making your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Stockton are 19% higher than in Bakersfield. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Income levels in Bakersfield and Stockton are quite similar, so you can expect steady earning potential and less financial stress in your new city.
- Living costs for one person are 51% higher in Stockton compared to Bakersfield, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- Expect your cost of living in Stockton to be about the same as it was in Bakersfield, so you shouldn’t need to adjust your budget after the move.
- Unemployment in Stockton is 75% higher than in Bakersfield. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in Stockton 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 $4,530 in Stockton.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Stockton
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Bakersfield and Stockton. 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 | Stockton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 320,804 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 97ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 7" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 75.2 |
Stockton sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Stockton is approximately 65% 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, Stockton voted Democratic, while Bakersfield voted Republican.
- In Stockton and Bakersfield, summer highs run about the same — 93°F vs. 97°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Bakersfield and Stockton face similar winter lows—Bakersfield drops to 38°F, while Stockton falls to 38°F.
- Stockton receives more annual rainfall than Bakersfield, with about 17 inches per year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Bakersfield and Stockton receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Stockton reports a higher crime index than Bakersfield, with scores of 75.2 and 58.49, respectively.
Things to do in Stockton
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Stockton has it all.
Museums in Stockton
- The Haggin Museum
- Children's Museum of Stockton
Parks in Stockton
- University Park World Peace Rose Garden
Sports teams in Stockton
- Stockton Heat (AHL)
- Stockton Kings (NBA G League)
- Stockton Ports (Low-A West)
Universities in Stockton
- University of the Pacific
- California State University, Stanislaus
- Humphreys University
- Kaplan College of Stockton
- Christian Life College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Bakersfield to Stockton?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Stockton, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $956 and $3,274. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,729 up to $5,379. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,413 to $6,510 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Bakersfield to Stockton?
Moving containers from Bakersfield to Stockton will cost you $671 to $1,662 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,282 to $2,366. A larger home will cost $1,720 to $2,857.
How much is a moving truck from Bakersfield to Stockton?
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 $320 to $583. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $339 and $690. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Bakersfield to Stockton, costs usually fall between $431 and $762.
How far in advance should I book Bakersfield-to-Stockton movers?
To make your move from Bakersfield to Stockton 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 Stockton?
For the best deals on your move to Stockton, 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.
