Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Columbus typically costs $4,200–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,256 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Columbus
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH typically costs $4,200–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,256-mile move from Bakersfield to Columbus, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,337 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
- PODS recently quoted $6,045 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $9,775 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Bakersfield to Columbus
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Bakersfield to Columbus may only cost $2,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Bakersfield.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$4,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbus, OH to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Columbus movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Columbus
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Bakersfield to Columbus. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→OH movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Columbus runs about 12% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Columbus versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $7,249 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 15% less expensive in Columbus than in Bakersfield, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 39% cheaper in Columbus than in Bakersfield.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 12% less in Columbus than in Bakersfield.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Columbus, with the cost of living for a single person being 12% more than in Bakersfield. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Columbus and Bakersfield remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Columbus and Bakersfield have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes are 9% cheaper in Columbus compared to Bakersfield. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 74% less in Ohio compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Bakersfield versus Columbus:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Columbus.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Columbus
| Bakersfield | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 48 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is within about 5% of Bakersfield, so they’re very similar in size.
- Columbus's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Columbus is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus 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.
- Columbus's crime rate is lower than Bakersfield with a score of 49.65 compared to Bakersfield's 58.49. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Bakersfield with a safety index of 50.35 vs Bakersfield's 41.51.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbus. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbus
With your sights set on The Arch City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbus. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Columbus?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Bakersfield to Columbus. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Columbus?
Want to save on your move from Bakersfield to Columbus? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Columbus take?
The 2,256-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Columbus, OH, takes seven to 18 days. Some Bakersfield movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Bakersfield?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 2 movers in Bakersfield provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
