Moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield costs between $101 to $4,556 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 87-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lancaster to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lancaster 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 87 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,216 - $3,471 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $870 - $1,767 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $112 - $180 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $100/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 Lancaster to Bakersfield?
It costs between $101 to $4,556 to move from Lancaster to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 87-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $667 - $4,556
- Moving containers: $675 - $2,093
- Rental trucks: $101 - $200
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $667 - $3,133 | $675 - $1,241 | $101 - $145 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,216 - $3,471 | $870 - $1,767 | $112 - $180 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,696 - $4,556 | $1,146 - $2,093 | $130 - $200 |
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 | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lancaster to Bakersfield
At 87 miles, your Lancaster 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 Lancaster to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 87 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lancaster to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Lancaster guide.
Considerations when moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Lancaster vs. Bakersfield
Comparing life in Lancaster and Bakersfield goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Bakersfield stacks up against Lancaster.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lancaster | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,600 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $400,712 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,083 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
- Rent prices in Bakersfield are 35% lower than in Lancaster, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 14% lower than in Lancaster, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income levels in Lancaster and Bakersfield are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- If you're moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield, you'll find that everyday costs are pretty much the same. As long as your income stays steady, the move shouldn't have much of an impact on your budget.
- If you’re moving your family to Bakersfield, expect living costs to be about 25% higher than in Lancaster. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Bakersfield a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 62% lower than in Lancaster, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- In Bakersfield, sales taxes are 20% lower than in Lancaster, which means your budget for dining, shopping, and household purchases may stretch further.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Lancaster, you’d need roughly $2,940 to maintain the same lifestyle in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Bakersfield compared to Lancaster. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Lancaster | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-38 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 8" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Bakersfield is approximately 424% greater than the population of Lancaster. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield leaned Republican, while Lancaster leaned Democratic.
- Moving between Lancaster and Bakersfield won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 97°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- In the coldest months, Lancaster sees lower temperatures than Bakersfield, dropping to 31°F while Bakersfield only falls to 38°F.
- Both Lancaster and Bakersfield experience similar annual rainfall, with Lancaster receiving 8 inches and Bakersfield getting 7 inches.
- Bakersfield has no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Crime is higher in Bakersfield (58.49) than in Lancaster (45.5).
Things to do in Bakersfield
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Bakersfield.
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 Lancaster to Bakersfield?
Shipping furniture from Lancaster to Bakersfield with a mover will cost between $600 and $2,506. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,216–$3,471, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Lancaster to Bakersfield will cost from $1,696–$4,556.
How much are moving container companies from Lancaster to Bakersfield?
If you're moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $501 to $1,127. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $870 and $1,767. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,146 up to $2,093.
How much is a moving truck from Lancaster to Bakersfield?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $95 and $160. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $112 to $180. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Lancaster to Bakersfield, truck rental prices typically range from $130 up to $200.
How far in advance should I book Lancaster-to-Bakersfield movers?
For a smooth move from Lancaster to Bakersfield, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
To score the best moving deals to Bakersfield, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
