Top-rated local movers that handle Bakersfield to Lafayette moves
When planning a move from Bakersfield to Lafayette, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Bakersfield who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Bakersfield to Lafayette.
- Meathead Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Hansen’s Moving and Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage : 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0130609
Years in Business: 53
DOT #: 2728836
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192218
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3455958
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA , Excel Relocation Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190666
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 076235
Alternate Names: Express Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,284 – $5,084 | $1,045 – $2,609 | $1,110 – $2,078 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,208 – $6,862 | $1,883 – $3,937 | $1,157 – $2,472 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,967 – $9,843 | $2,574 – $5,508 | $1,429 – $2,995 |
Cost to hire movers from Bakersfield to Lafayette
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Lafayette, you can expect to spend between $1,284 and $5,084. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,208 to $6,862 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Lafayette typically runs between $5,967 and $9,843.
Cost of moving containers from Bakersfield to Lafayette
When moving from Bakersfield to Lafayette, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,045 and $2,609. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,883 to $3,937. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,574 up to $5,508. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Lafayette
Renting a moving truck in Bakersfield is usually your cheapest option to get to Lafayette. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,110 and $2,078. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,157 and $2,472. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,429 and $2,995.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Bakersfield to Lafayette
The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,589, but larger homes can run up to $9,392.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Bakersfield.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,110–$2,709) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Bakersfield – roughly 28% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $2,493 in Bakersfield. For a family of four, it’s $4,208 compared with $6,940.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Bakersfield | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.25% |
- As you consider relocating to Lafayette, note that rent can be roughly 67% more expensive than it is in Bakersfield; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 45% lower in Lafayette than in Bakersfield.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 19% less in Lafayette than in Bakersfield.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, where the cost of living for a single person is 28% less than in Bakersfield.
- Moving to Lafayette could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 39% less than in Bakersfield.
- Both Lafayette and Bakersfield present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 15% higher in Lafayette 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.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Louisiana compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Bakersfield with Lafayette:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Lafayette
| Bakersfield | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 47 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette’s population is about 87% less than Bakersfield.
- Lafayette’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Bakersfield’s score of 4.
- Lafayette is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Bakersfield’s 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lafayette’s crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 45.75 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 54.25 vs Bakersfield’s 41.51.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Bakersfield it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Lafayette move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Louisiana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lafayette smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lafayette
Now that you’ve chosen The Hub City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lafayette to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After getting comfortable in your new Louisiana home, it’s time to see what Lafayette is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lafayette offers cultural landmarks like the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Bakersfield are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Lafayette?
Because spring and fall moves from Bakersfield to Lafayette are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Lafayette take?
A move of 1,837 miles from Bakersfield, CA to Lafayette, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Bakersfield sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lafayette is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Bakersfield offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 2 movers in Bakersfield have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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