($1,229+) Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI ranges from $1,290 to $11,479, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,229 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,072 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 Milwaukee, WI
Moving options from Bakersfield to Milwaukee fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,290 - $11,479 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,072 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 2,072-mile route from Bakersfield to Milwaukee, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,290 - $5,592 | $1,682 - $3,042 | $1,170 - $2,258 | $1,485 - $2,683 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,495 - $7,713 | $2,071 - $4,308 | $1,330 - $2,606 | $1,640 - $3,378 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,745 - $11,479 | $2,896 - $5,701 | $1,680 - $3,292 | $2,270 - $4,468 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
For the 2,072-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,290 and $11,479. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $286 - $1,904 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Bakersfield generally start around $420 plus $116 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,290 - $5,592
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,495 - $7,713
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,745 - $11,479
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 Milwaukee.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Milwaukee, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type14% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Express Moving & Storage | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Bakersfield, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $1,682 and $5,701. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Bakersfield typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,682 - $3,042
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,071 - $4,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,896 - $5,701
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $666 in Bakersfield, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $71 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $143 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Milwaukee, WI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Wisconsin 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 $1,682. 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 $2,071 - $4,308.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
- 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 Milwaukee, WI
Plan on $1,170 - $3,292 for a rental moving truck on the 2,072-mile route from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $628 - $717
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Milwaukee based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,170 - $2,258
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,330 - $2,606
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,680 - $3,292
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Bakersfield to Milwaukee starts at $1,170 - $3,292, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($628 - $717), overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $628 - $717 for the 2,072-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 $666.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,072-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $143 per night, adding $286 - $428 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $286.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
- 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 Milwaukee, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Bakersfield, California, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,640 and $3,378.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,485 - $2,683
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,378
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,270 - $4,468
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Bakersfield, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $666.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $143 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Bakersfield to Milwaukee?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Milwaukee, WI
Bakersfield and Milwaukee land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 88 in Milwaukee, and average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $1,250/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 37 vs 62 and safety scores are 41.51 vs 33.24.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Wisconsin 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 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,072-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,072-mile route from Bakersfield, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, run $1,290 - $11,479 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,682 - $5,701, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,170 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,495, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Milwaukee, WI
What is the cheapest way to move from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI?
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 $1,330 - $2,606. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Milwaukee a safe place to live?
Milwaukee has a safety index of 33.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.76, compared to 41.51 and 58.49 in Bakersfield. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI?
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 14% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.