Riverside to Bakersfield Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
The cost to move from Riverside to Bakersfield, CA (~162 miles) typically ranges from $183 to $5,083.
Local movers such as VIP Transport, Inc., moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 244 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
September availability is going fast in Riverside
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Riverside to Bakersfield?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Riverside to Bakersfield are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend VIP Transport, Inc. (4.62/5) as the top local pick, followed by JFK Moving Company (4.48/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Riverside to Bakersfield moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
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 Riverside to Bakersfield?
The cost to move from Riverside to Bakersfield ranges from $183 to $5,083*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $806 - $5,083
- Moving containers: $779 - $2,172
- Rental trucks: $183 - $448
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $806 - $3,121 | $779 - $1,287 | $183 - $310 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,288 - $3,966 | $942 - $1,885 | $196 - $391 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,890 - $5,083 | $1,241 - $2,172 | $250 - $448 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of September 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.
Learn more about the cost of Riverside, CA movers.
How Riverside to Bakersfield moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 36% of Riverside movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($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 27% of Riverside movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: JFK Moving Company |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
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 Riverside to Bakersfield
Moving from Riverside to Bakersfield is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. VIP Transport, Inc. leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 244 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Riverside to Bakersfield
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- VIP Transport, Inc. (4.62/5 stars): 88.5% positive customer ratings.
- JFK Moving Company (4.48/5 stars): 92.3% positive customer ratings.
- Burgess Moving and Storage (4.42/5 stars): 86.0% positive customer ratings.
- Golden West Moving Systems, Inc. (4.36/5 stars): 87.5% positive customer ratings.
- Alex Moving and Storage (4.44/5 stars): 42.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 55 movers in Riverside, drawing on 17,375 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Riverside to Bakersfield
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Riverside, CA
Riverside residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does Bakersfield compare to Riverside?
Cost of living: Riverside vs. Bakersfield
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Riverside | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,295 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $539,898 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,575 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,573 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,604 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.75% | 8.25% |
Cost-of-living data for Riverside and Bakersfield comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 374+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Bakersfield are 26% lower than in Riverside. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 36% lower than Riverside. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Bakersfield is 13% lower than Riverside. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Bakersfield matches Riverside. A Riverside budget translates directly to Bakersfield without revision.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Bakersfield is 24% higher than Riverside. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield runs 17% lower than Riverside. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Bakersfield are 6% lower than Riverside. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,910 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Riverside.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Bakersfield
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Bakersfield might look different from Riverside in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Riverside | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 11" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 58.49 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in California, vs 33% nationally).
- Bakersfield is 187% larger in size than Riverside. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican and Riverside voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Bakersfield (97°F) match Riverside (94°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Riverside (42°F) and Bakersfield (38°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Riverside (11 inches) and Bakersfield (7 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Riverside and Bakersfield is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Bakersfield (58.49) is higher than Riverside (40.24). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Bakersfield's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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: Riverside to Bakersfield movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, VIP Transport, Inc. (4.62/5) is the top local choice, with 88.5% positive reviews across 244 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $183 - $5,083, based on our analysis of 374+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Riverside to Bakersfield
How long does a move from Riverside to Bakersfield take?
Most moves from Riverside to Bakersfield take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Is moving from Riverside to Bakersfield considered a long-distance move?
A move from Riverside to Bakersfield is classified as an intrastate move, governed by California law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid California intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
The cheapest time to move to Bakersfield is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
How far in advance should I book Riverside-to-Bakersfield movers?
Book your Riverside to Bakersfield movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much is a moving truck from Riverside to Bakersfield?
A rental truck from Riverside to Bakersfield costs $179 - $335 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $196 - $391 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $250 - $448 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
