($1,132+) Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN ranges from $1,313 to $11,441, with an average cost of $4,050. Moves can be as low as $1,132 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,019 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN
Moving options from Bakersfield to Nashville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,313 - $11,441 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,019 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,019-mile route from Bakersfield to Nashville, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,313 - $4,985 | $1,576 - $2,993 | $1,098 - $2,117 | $1,447 - $2,748 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,359 - $7,159 | $2,140 - $4,405 | $1,176 - $2,757 | $1,615 - $3,322 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,168 - $11,441 | $2,793 - $5,716 | $1,609 - $3,150 | $2,145 - $4,482 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,019-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,313 - $11,441. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $306 - $2,040. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Bakersfield and Nashville. Local movers in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate plus $116/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,313 - $4,985
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,359 - $7,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,168 - $11,441
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Bakersfield to Nashville.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Nashville, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Nashville?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Bakersfield, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, cost between $1,576 and $5,716. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Bakersfield typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,576 - $2,993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,140 - $4,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,793 - $5,716
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $153 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Nashville, TN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $714 in Bakersfield, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,576. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,140 - $4,405.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Nashville?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Bakersfield to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Bakersfield:
- Meathead Movers (4.8/5), 23 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,019 miles from Bakersfield, California, to Nashville, Tennessee, running $1,098 - $3,150. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $655 - $749
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield to Nashville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $2,117
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,150
Pro tip: A rental truck from Bakersfield to Nashville looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,098 - $3,150. But once you factor in fuel ($655 - $749), overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $655 - $749 for the 2,019-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Bakersfield, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $714.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,019-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $306 - $459 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $306.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Nashville?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN
If you're moving a larger household from Bakersfield, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Nashville, Tennessee.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,615 and $3,322.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Nashville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,447 - $2,748
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,615 - $3,322
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,145 - $4,482
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $77 - $153 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Bakersfield, California, typically costs $714.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Nashville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Bakersfield to Nashville. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Nashville, TN
Day-to-day costs in Nashville are close to what you're used to in Bakersfield: cost of living index of 105 versus 100, with average rent of $1,971/mo compared to $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield versus 96/100 and 50.9/100 in Nashville.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,019-mile move.
Our take
The 2,019-mile move from Bakersfield, CA, to Nashville, TN, costs between $1,313 and $11,441 with full-service movers, $1,576 - $5,716 with a moving container, and $1,098 - $3,150 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,359 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include HCA Healthcare and Access Control Systems.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Nashville, TN
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,132 to $11,441, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,313 and $11,441, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,176 - $2,757. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($655 - $749), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.