($1,302+) Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH ranges from $1,326 to $11,922, with an average cost of $4,450. Moves can be as low as $1,302 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,256 miles and usually takes 7 to 18 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH
Moving options from Bakersfield to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,326 - $11,922 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,256 miles and typically takes 7 to 18 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,256-mile route from Bakersfield to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,326 - $6,089, container $1,712 - $3,303, rental truck $1,396 - $2,645, freight trailer $1,653 - $3,188.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,702 - $8,184, container $2,287 - $4,970, rental truck $1,410 - $2,995, freight trailer $1,830 - $3,824.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,160 - $11,922, container $3,173 - $6,797, rental truck $1,762 - $3,747, freight trailer $2,436 - $5,438.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH
Full-service movers for the 2,256-mile relocation from Bakersfield, California, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,326 and $11,922. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $289 - $1,928, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Bakersfield typically charge a base rate around $420 plus $116 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,326 - $6,089
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,702 - $8,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,160 - $11,922
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Bakersfield to Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $482 - $4,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $193 - $1,157/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,314 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $964 - $2,892 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,410 - $9,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $722 - $1,372 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $964 - $2,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $771 - $3,374 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $289 - $1,446 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $627 - $1,928 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,374+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Columbus?
Movers licensed to operate in Ohio are typically members of the Ohio Association of Movers, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Bakersfield, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,712 and $6,797. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Bakersfield runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,712 - $3,303
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,287 - $4,970
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,173 - $6,797
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $145 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Columbus, OH, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $675 in Bakersfield, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,712. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,287 - $4,970, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Columbus?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Bakersfield to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Bakersfield:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 20 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH
Plan on $1,396 - $3,747 for a rental moving truck on the 2,256-mile route from Bakersfield, California, to Columbus, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $692 - $791
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,396 - $2,645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,995
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,762 - $3,747
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,396 - $3,747 when pricing out a rental truck from Bakersfield to Columbus. Fuel alone runs ($692 - $791) , and overnight lodging ($145/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $675.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $692 - $791 for the 2,256-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $313, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $145 per night for hotel stops on the 2,256-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $289 - $434.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Columbus?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Bakersfield, California, to Columbus, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $868 and $3,824.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,653 - $3,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,830 - $3,824
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,436 - $5,438
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $72 and $145.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for roughly five hours typically average $675.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Columbus, OH
Bakersfield and Columbus land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 91 in Columbus, and rent tracks closely too ($1,695/mo vs. $1,441/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (37 vs 41) and safety scores (41.51 vs 50.35) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Ohio over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,256-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,256-mile route from Bakersfield, CA, to Columbus, OH, run $1,326 - $11,922 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,712 - $6,797, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,396 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,702, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Columbus, OH
What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Columbus a safe place to live?
Columbus has a safety index of 50.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.65, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Columbus, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,410 - $2,995. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, Bexley, Clintonville, and Gahanna are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Short North, and Victorian Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.