Moving from Ontario to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Ontario to Bakersfield costs $192–$5,146, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 146-mile route within California take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Ontario to Bakersfield?
Moving from Ontario to Bakersfield doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 146-mile move:
Moving from Ontario to Bakersfield costs between $192 and $5,146, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 146-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,478–$4,303 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,159–$1,962 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $210–$358 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $110/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Ontario to Bakersfield?
Expect to spend between $192 and $5,146 on a Ontario to Bakersfield move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 146-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $813–$5,146
- Moving containers: $921–$2,589
- Rental trucks: $192–$438
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 146 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $813–$3,713 | $921–$1,484 | $192–$304 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,478–$4,303 | $1,159–$1,962 | $210–$358 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,092–$5,146 | $1,478–$2,589 | $235–$438 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Ontario to Bakersfield move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Ontario to Bakersfield move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Ontario to Bakersfield
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Ontario to Bakersfield, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 146 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Ontario to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 146 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to Ontario guide.
How does Bakersfield compare to Ontario?
Cost of living: Ontario vs. Bakersfield
A cost-of-living comparison between Ontario and Bakersfield covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Bakersfield 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Ontario and Bakersfield comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Bakersfield is 35% lower than Ontario. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 39% lower than Ontario. The discount accelerates timelines for first-time buyers and improves cash flow for trade-up moves.
- Average income in Bakersfield is 7% lower than Ontario. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person is equal in Bakersfield and Ontario. Day-to-day spending stays steady through the move.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Bakersfield is 20% higher than Ontario. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 14% lower than Ontario. The labor market favors workers, which translates to better offers for incoming candidates.
- Sales taxes in Bakersfield are 6% lower than Ontario. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
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
A comparison of life in Ontario and Bakersfield covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows 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 is 419% larger in size than Ontario. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican, while Ontario voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Bakersfield (97°F) and Ontario (92°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Ontario (43°F) and Bakersfield (38°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall in Ontario runs 16 inches, higher than Bakersfield's 7 inches. Expect drier conditions and reduced rain-related home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Ontario and Bakersfield is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Bakersfield (58.49) runs higher than Ontario (50.25). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Bakersfield's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Ontario to Bakersfield
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Ontario to Bakersfield, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $192–$5,146 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Ontario to Bakersfield
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Ontario to Bakersfield?
A move from Ontario to Bakersfield with a professional moving company costs $732–$2,957 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,478 up to $4,303. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,092–$5,146 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Ontario to Bakersfield?
Moving containers from Ontario to Bakersfield cost $617–$1,362 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,159–$1,962. A larger home costs $1,478–$2,589.
How much is a moving truck from Ontario to Bakersfield?
A rental moving truck from Ontario to Bakersfield costs $194–$313 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $210–$358, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $235 and $438.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Ontario-to-Bakersfield movers?
Lock in your movers for a Ontario to Bakersfield move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
The best deals on a move to Bakersfield fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
