Moving from Ontario to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Ontario to Bakersfield costs between $179 to $5,150 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 146-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Ontario to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Ontario to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Ontario 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 146 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,406 - $4,345 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,104 - $1,984 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $188 - $380 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Big Deahl's Movers | $110/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 Ontario to Bakersfield?
It costs between $179 to $5,150 to move from Ontario to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 146-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $854 - $5,150
- Moving containers: $834 - $2,414
- Rental trucks: $179 - $421
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $854 - $3,607 | $834 - $1,410 | $179 - $319 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,406 - $4,345 | $1,104 - $1,984 | $188 - $380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,953 - $5,150 | $1,464 - $2,414 | $247 - $421 |
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 | $357 - $2,975+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $238 - $952 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $60 - $238 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Ontario to Bakersfield
At 146 miles, your Ontario 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 Ontario to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 146 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Ontario to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Ontario guide.
Considerations when moving from Ontario to Bakersfield
Cost of living: Ontario vs. Bakersfield
When weighing the cost of living in Ontario versus Bakersfield, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Bakersfield really compares to Ontario.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Ontario | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,619 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $564,076 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $82,806 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,793 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is around 35% less expensive than in Ontario, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 39% lower than in Ontario. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income in Bakersfield is 7% lower than in Ontario, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living expenses for a single person are about equal in Bakersfield and Ontario. So, as long as your income doesn’t change, moving shouldn’t affect your finances much.
- The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 20% higher than in Ontario. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Bakersfield less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 14% lower than in Ontario. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Bakersfield than in Ontario. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Bakersfield can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Ontario, you’d need about $3,030 in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Ontario vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Ontario and Bakersfield. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Ontario | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 92ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 50.25 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield is about 419% larger than Ontario. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican, while Ontario voted Democratic.
- In Bakersfield and Ontario, summer highs run about the same — 97°F vs. 92°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Ontario and Bakersfield face similar winter lows—Ontario drops to 43°F, while Bakersfield falls to 38°F.
- Ontario usually sees more rain than Bakersfield, with about 16 inches of rainfall each year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both Ontario and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield reports a higher crime index than Ontario, with scores of 58.49 and 50.25, respectively.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Bakersfield has it all.
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 Ontario to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Ontario to Bakersfield, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $769 and $2,840. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,406 up to $4,345. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,953 to $5,150 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Ontario to Bakersfield?
Moving containers from Ontario to Bakersfield will cost you $629 to $1,434 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,104 to $1,984. A larger home will cost $1,464 to $2,414.
How much is a moving truck from Ontario to Bakersfield?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $183 to $301. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $188 and $380. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Ontario to Bakersfield, costs usually fall between $247 and $421.
How far in advance should I book Ontario-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from Ontario to Bakersfield as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
For the best deals on your move to Bakersfield, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
