Moving from Irvine to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Irvine to Bakersfield costs between $193 to $5,294 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 156-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Irvine to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Irvine to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Irvine to driving and unloading in Bakersfield, 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 156 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,545 - $4,406 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,099 - $2,145 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $212 - $401 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $75/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 Irvine to Bakersfield?
It costs between $193 to $5,294 to move from Irvine to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 156-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $885 - $5,294
- Moving containers: $926 - $2,415
- Rental trucks: $193 - $456
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $885 - $3,615 | $926 - $1,572 | $193 - $330 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,545 - $4,406 | $1,099 - $2,145 | $212 - $401 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,039 - $5,294 | $1,459 - $2,415 | $260 - $456 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Irvine to Bakersfield
At 156 miles, your Irvine to Bakersfield 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 Irvine to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 156 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Irvine to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Irvine guide.
Considerations when moving from Irvine to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Irvine vs. Bakersfield
When weighing the cost of living in Irvine versus Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield really compares to Irvine.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Irvine | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,000 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $1,113,305 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $129,647 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is around 58% less expensive than in Irvine, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 69% lower than in Irvine. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Bakersfield is 40% lower than in Irvine, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Bakersfield is 73% cheaper for one person compared to Irvine. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Bakersfield, you’ll find that the cost of living is 61% lower than in Irvine. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 9% higher than in Irvine. 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 6% higher in Bakersfield than in Irvine. 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 Irvine, you’d need about $810 in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Irvine and Bakersfield. 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.
| Irvine | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield is about 196% larger than Irvine. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican, while Irvine voted Democratic.
- Bakersfield regularly records highs near 97°F, compared to Irvine at 82°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, Bakersfield is colder than Irvine, with winter lows of 38°F versus Irvine’s 46°F.
- Irvine usually sees more rain than Bakersfield, with about 13 inches of rainfall each year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Irvine and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield reports a higher crime index than Irvine, with scores of 58.49 and 31.01, respectively.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Bakersfield has it all.
Museums in Bakersfield
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
- Kern County Museum
- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
- Bakersfield Museum of Art
Parks in Bakersfield
- The Park at River Walk
- Peacocks at Hart Park
Sports teams in Bakersfield
- Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
Universities in Bakersfield
- California State University, Bakersfield
- Bakersfield College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Irvine to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Irvine to Bakersfield, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $773 and $2,927. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,545 up to $4,406. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,039 to $5,294 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Irvine to Bakersfield?
Moving containers from Irvine to Bakersfield will cost you $613 to $1,372 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,099 to $2,145. A larger home will cost $1,459 to $2,415.
How much is a moving truck from Irvine to Bakersfield?
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 $199 to $336. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $212 and $401. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Irvine to Bakersfield, costs usually fall between $260 and $456.
How far in advance should I book Irvine-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from Irvine to Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield?
For the best deals on your move to Bakersfield, 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.
