Moving from San Diego to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Bakersfield costs between $311 to $6,443 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 237-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Diego to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Diego to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Diego 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 237 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,835 - $4,918 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,194 - $2,248 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $332 - $643 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Republic Moving & Storage | $200/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 San Diego to Bakersfield?
It costs between $311 to $6,443 to move from San Diego to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 237-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,046 - $6,443
- Moving containers: $1,024 - $2,917
- Rental trucks: $311 - $794
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,046 - $4,108 | $1,024 - $1,742 | $311 - $543 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,835 - $4,918 | $1,194 - $2,248 | $332 - $643 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,293 - $6,443 | $1,703 - $2,917 | $422 - $794 |
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 | $465 - $3,875+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $200/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $310 - $1,240 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $78 - $310 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Diego to Bakersfield
At 237 miles, your San Diego 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 San Diego to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 237 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Diego to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 1,177 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to San Diego guide.
Considerations when moving from San Diego to Bakersfield
Cost of living: San Diego vs. Bakersfield
The cost of living in San Diego vs. Bakersfield isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Bakersfield compares to what you’re used to in San Diego.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Diego | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $847,715 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $104,321 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is about 41% cheaper than in San Diego. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 59% lower than in San Diego. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Bakersfield is 26% lower than in San Diego, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 25% lower than in San Diego, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 10% lower in Bakersfield than in San Diego. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 11% lower than in San Diego. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Bakersfield are 6% higher than in San Diego, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in San Diego, you’ll need about $2,250 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Bakersfield.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, check out how life in Bakersfield measures up to San Diego. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| San Diego | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-37 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 12" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Bakersfield has roughly 34% fewer people than San Diego. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican, while San Diego leaned Democratic.
- Summer temperatures in Bakersfield can reach 97°F, hotter than San Diego at 79°F. Expect warmer days, higher cooling bills, and adjustments to your daily routine.
- During the chilliest part of the year, Bakersfield is colder than San Diego, reaching a low of 38°F while San Diego only dips to 46°F.
- Both San Diego and Bakersfield see similar yearly rainfall—San Diego averages 12 inches, while Bakersfield gets 7 inches.
- Both San Diego and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield shows a higher crime rate than San Diego, with index scores of 58.49 compared to 39.83.
Things to do in Bakersfield
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Bakersfield has plenty to offer:
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 San Diego to Bakersfield?
Shipping furniture from San Diego to Bakersfield with a moving company typically costs between $995 and $3,480. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,835 to $4,918. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,293 and $6,443 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning a move from San Diego to Bakersfield and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $678 and $1,711. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,194 to $2,248. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,703 to $2,917.
How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Bakersfield?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $327 and $543. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $332 and $643. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from San Diego to Bakersfield, truck rentals usually range from $422 up to $794.
How far in advance should I book San Diego-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from San Diego to Bakersfield as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield?
The cheapest time of year to move to Bakersfield is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
