The best local movers for Bakersfield to Houston moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Bakersfield that also handles long-distance moves to Houston. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Bakersfield who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Bakersfield to Houston.
- Meathead Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Hansen’s Moving and Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage : 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0130609
Years in Business: 53
DOT #: 2728836
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192218
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3455958
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA , Excel Relocation Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190666
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 076235
Alternate Names: Express Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Bakersfield to Houston?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,220 – $4,927 | $1,085 – $2,647 | $953 – $1,774 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,934 – $7,185 | $1,917 – $3,908 | $1,084 – $2,111 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,687 – $9,630 | $2,514 – $5,287 | $1,286 – $2,853 |
Cost to hire movers from Bakersfield to Houston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Houston will cost between $1,220 and $4,927. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Bakersfield to Bakersfield will range from $2,934 to $7,185, and a large move from Bakersfield to Houston will cost from $5,687 to $9,630.
Cost of moving containers from Bakersfield to Houston
If you’re moving from Bakersfield to Houston, expect to pay between $1,085 and $2,647 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,917 up to $3,908. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,514 and $5,287. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Houston
Renting a moving truck from Bakersfield to Houston is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $953 and $1,774. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,084 and $2,111. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,286 up to $2,853 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Bakersfield to Houston
The cost of Bakersfield movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,354, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,499.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Bakersfield, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($953–$2,335) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 11% higher for singles and 3% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Bakersfield versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $7,157 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- If you’re heading to Houston from Bakersfield, you’ll find that rent is roughly 9% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 32% less in Houston than in Bakersfield.
- Fortunately, the average income in Houston and Bakersfield is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person in Houston is 11% higher than in Bakersfield. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Houston and Bakersfield, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Houston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 31% lower compared to Bakersfield, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Houston and Bakersfield (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Bakersfield and Houston:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Bakersfield than in Houston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Bakersfield than in Houston.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Houston
| Bakersfield | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 49 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 153% greater than Bakersfield.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield’s score of 4.
- Houston is more walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Bakersfield’s 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston is more bike-friendly than Bakersfield, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Bakersfield with a score of 63.5 compared to Bakersfield’s 58.49. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Bakersfield with a score of 36.5 vs Bakersfield’s 41.51.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Bakersfield it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Houston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to HOU, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Once you’re settled into your new home in Texas, it’s time to get out and discover what Houston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Houston?
The best time to move from Bakersfield to Houston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Bakersfield to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Houston take?
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Houston, covers 1,658 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Bakersfield movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Houston.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Bakersfield?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 2 movers in Bakersfield advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Bakersfield provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Bakersfield moving services
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