Top local movers for Bakersfield to Durham moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Bakersfield that also provides long-distance services to Durham can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Bakersfield who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Bakersfield to Durham.
- 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 Durham?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,343 – $5,088 | $1,379 – $3,136 | $1,345 – $2,657 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,510 – $7,831 | $2,309 – $4,657 | $1,486 – $3,066 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,599 – $11,181 | $3,179 – $6,333 | $1,916 – $3,921 |
Cost to hire movers from Bakersfield to Durham
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Durham typically costs between $1,343 and $5,088. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,510 and $7,831 when moving from Bakersfield to Durham. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Bakersfield to Durham, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,599 up to $11,181.
Cost of moving containers from Bakersfield to Durham
If you’re relocating from Bakersfield to Durham, you’ll typically spend between $1,379 and $3,136 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,309 up to $4,657. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,179 and $6,333. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Durham
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Bakersfield to Durham move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,345 and $2,657. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,486 to $3,066. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,916 and $3,921.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Bakersfield to Durham
The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Bakersfield to Durham might be as low as $2,507, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,260.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Bakersfield.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,345 to $3,398 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Durham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Durham runs about 12% higher for singles and -14% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $2,803 in Bakersfield versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $5,945 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Switching from Bakersfield to Durham won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- The home prices in Durham and Bakersfield differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 6% lower in Durham than in Bakersfield.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Durham, as the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 12% greater than in Bakersfield. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Durham could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 14% lower than in Bakersfield.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 31% lower than Bakersfield, Durham boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Durham than Bakersfield, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 66% lower in North Carolina than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Bakersfield and Durham, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Bakersfield than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Durham.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Durham
| Bakersfield | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 38 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 69% less than Bakersfield.
- Durham’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Bakersfield, making them very similar.
- Durham is less walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Bakersfield’s 37 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Bakersfield, which has a score of 44.
- Durham’s crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 54.72 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Durham is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 45.28 vs Bakersfield’s 41.51.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Bakersfield it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Durham move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Durham without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Durham
Ready to relocate to City of The Viper? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
Now that you’ve made the move to North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Durham. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Durham include museums and art centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Durham?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Bakersfield to Durham. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Durham?
With many people choosing to move from Bakersfield to Durham in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Durham take?
Covering 2,546 miles, the move from Bakersfield, CA to Durham, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Bakersfield movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Durham can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Bakersfield can handle specialty items for my move to Durham?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Bakersfield, 2 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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