Moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield costs between $365 to $7,256 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 283-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Francisco to Bakersfield
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Francisco 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 283 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,958 - $5,206 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,361 - $2,605 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $376 - $749 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Green Moving | $150/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 Francisco to Bakersfield?
It costs between $365 to $7,256 to move from San Francisco to Bakersfield. The prices below break down your 283-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,228 - $7,256
- Moving containers: $1,014 - $3,075
- Rental trucks: $365 - $959
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,228 - $4,631 | $1,014 - $1,732 | $365 - $666 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,958 - $5,206 | $1,361 - $2,605 | $376 - $749 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,815 - $7,256 | $1,813 - $3,075 | $485 - $959 |
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 | $735 - $6,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $490 - $1,960 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $123 - $490 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Francisco to Bakersfield
At 283 miles, your San Francisco 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 Francisco to Bakersfield. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 283 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Francisco to Bakersfield. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield to San Francisco guide.
Considerations when moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Bakersfield
When weighing the cost of living in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $1,374,773 | $345,317 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,446 | $77,397 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.63% | 8.25% |
- Rent in Bakersfield is around 48% less expensive than in San Francisco, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Bakersfield are 75% lower than in San Francisco. 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 45% lower than in San Francisco, so you might face tighter budget constraints, especially if local wages don’t keep pace with living costs.
- Living in Bakersfield is 34% cheaper for one person compared to San Francisco. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Bakersfield, you’ll find that the cost of living is 20% lower than in San Francisco. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Bakersfield is 9% higher than in San Francisco. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are the same in Bakersfield and San Francisco, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in San Francisco, you’d need about $1,980 in Bakersfield.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Bakersfield
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in San Francisco 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.
| San Francisco | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 909,235 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Republican 51-46 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 97ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 38ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 7" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 58.49 |
Bakersfield sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Bakersfield is about 12% larger than San Francisco. 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 San Francisco voted Democratic.
- Bakersfield regularly records highs near 97°F, compared to San Francisco at 67°F. Relocating here means more intense summers and greater focus on cooling and comfort.
- In the coldest months, Bakersfield is colder than San Francisco, with winter lows of 38°F versus San Francisco’s 46°F.
- San Francisco usually sees more rain than Bakersfield, with about 25 inches of rainfall each year compared to Bakersfield’s 7 inches.
- Both San Francisco and Bakersfield receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Bakersfield and San Francisco have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 58.49 and 61.41, 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 San Francisco to Bakersfield?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from San Francisco to Bakersfield, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,055 and $3,548. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,958 up to $5,206. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $2,815 to $7,256 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Bakersfield?
Moving containers from San Francisco to Bakersfield will cost you $736 to $1,824 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,361 to $2,605. A larger home will cost $1,813 to $3,075.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco 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 $368 to $679. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $376 and $749. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from San Francisco to Bakersfield, costs usually fall between $485 and $959.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco-to-Bakersfield movers?
To make your move from San Francisco 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.
