Moving from Modesto to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Bakersfield costs between $288 to $6,263 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 202-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto 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 202 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,672 - $4,821 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,182 - $2,275 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $289 - $566 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Brewer Moving LLC | $128/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 Modesto to Bakersfield?
It costs between $288 to $6,263 to move from Modesto to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 202-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $960 - $6,263
- Moving containers: $975 - $2,871
- Rental trucks: $288 - $652
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $960 - $3,961 | $975 - $1,562 | $288 - $460 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,672 - $4,821 | $1,182 - $2,275 | $289 - $566 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,250 - $6,263 | $1,660 - $2,871 | $379 - $652 |
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 | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Modesto to Bakersfield
At 202 miles, your Modesto 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 Modesto to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 202 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Bakersfield
When comparing the cost of living between Modesto and Bakersfield, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Bakersfield stacks up against Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is about 6% cheaper than in Modesto, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 17% lower than in Modesto, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- You’ll find that income levels in Modesto and Bakersfield are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Living expenses for one person in Bakersfield are 8% higher than in Modesto, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 17% higher than in Modesto. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Bakersfield one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 26% lower than in Modesto. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are about 7% cheaper in Bakersfield than in Modesto, which can lighten your cost of living if you tend to spend more on taxable goods and services.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,240 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Bakersfield
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Bakersfield vs. Modesto. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Modesto | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield is around 316% bigger than Modesto. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield leaned Republican, while Modesto went Democratic.
- Both Bakersfield and Modesto average summer highs close to 97°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Modesto and Bakersfield experience similar winter lows, with Modesto reaching 39°F and Bakersfield getting down to 38°F.
- Modesto tends to be wetter than Bakersfield, averaging 13 inches of annual rainfall compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Modesto and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield is safer than Modesto, boasting a lower crime index of 58.49 compared to Modesto’s 65.76.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Bakersfield has you covered.
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 Modesto to Bakersfield?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Modesto to Bakersfield, expect to pay between $879 and $3,208 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,672 and $4,821. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $2,250 up to $6,263 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Bakersfield?
If you’re moving from Modesto to Bakersfield and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $676 and go up to $1,617. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,182 and $2,275. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,660 and $2,871.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Bakersfield?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $280 to $493. A larger move will cost $289 to $566, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Modesto to Bakersfield costs from $379 to $652.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Bakersfield movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Modesto to Bakersfield at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Modesto-to-Bakersfield movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
To save money on your move to Bakersfield, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
