Quick answer: For a 1,091-mile move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield, expect to spend around $898–$7,171 and two to eight days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Bakersfield to Fort Collins guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
For a move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 10 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.
We reviewed every Fort Collins company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in Fort Collins made our final list.
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Best professional movers from Fort Collins to Bakersfield
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Fort Collins to Bakersfield far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Fort Collins?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CO to CA move
Local moving companies servicing Fort Collins to Bakersfield moves
When planning a move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Fort Collins who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Fort Collins to Bakersfield.
- Exodus Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Two College Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Johnson Storage & Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
Alternate Names: AAA Exodus Moving and Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00322
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00422
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2493028
Alternate Names: AKA Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3497243
Years in Business: 125
DOT #: 286130
Alternate Names: Johnson Logistics, LLC, Baron Worldwide, Security Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
Fort Collins movers charge $120 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,325 - $5,761 | $962 - $2,420 | $807 - $1,563 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,926 - $7,171 | $1,812 - $3,339 | $898 - $1,770 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,714 - $8,949 | $2,424 - $4,771 | $1,052 - $2,219 |
Cost to hire movers from Colorado to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Colorado to California typically costs between $1,325 and $5,761. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,926 and $7,171 when moving from CO to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Colorado to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $4,714 up to $8,949.
Cost of moving containers from Colorado to California
Moving from Colorado to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $962 and $2,420. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,812 to $3,339. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,424 up to $4,771. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Colorado.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Colorado to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $807 and $1,563 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $898 to $1,770. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,052 to $2,219.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Fort Collins to Bakersfield
What to know before moving from Fort Collins to Bakersfield
Bakersfield typically comes with higher living costs — around 16% more for singles and 45% more for families than Fort Collins.
Singles pay roughly $2,493 vs. $2,140; families average $6,940 vs. $4,795.
Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:
- Rent prices in Bakersfield are 3% lower than in Fort Collins, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Bakersfield.
Home prices in Bakersfield are 28.2% lower than in Fort Collins. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Bakersfield, where incomes are, on average, 14.1% higher than in Fort Collins. Major employers in Bakersfield include Bakersfield City School District, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Kern High School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 16.5% higher than in Fort Collins. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 44.7% higher than in Fort Collins.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 5.36% higher than in Fort Collins.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Bakersfield, since its sales taxes are 9.27% higher than what you are paying in Fort Collins.
- State income taxes in Bakersfield are 142.26% higher than in Fort Collins.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Fort Collins and Bakersfield, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Fort Collins | Bakersfield | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $167.02 | $340 |
Cell phone plan | $43 | $53.67 |
Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $2.95 |
Loaf of bread | $3.09 | $3.81 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $25 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72 | $67.5 |
Gym membership | $60 | $36.5 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fort Collins than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Fort Collins vs. Bakersfield
Bakersfield | Fort Collins | |
---|---|---|
Population | 909,235 | 169,810 |
Transportation Score | 4 | 4 |
Walkability score | 37 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 44 | 78 |
Crime Index | 58.49 | 17.0 |
Safety Index | 41.51 | 72.86 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Bakersfield is about 435% greater than Fort Collins, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Bakersfield will be about the same as it currently is in Fort Collins. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- You'll find Bakersfield to be about as walkable as Fort Collins. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 37 and 37 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Bakersfield, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Fort Collins. While Fort Collins has a bike-friendliness score of 78 out of 100, Bakersfield earned a 44. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Bakersfield is higher than in Fort Collins, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.49 in Bakersfield, it is 17.0 in Fort Collins. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Bakersfield. With a crime index of 41.51, Bakersfield ranks lower in overall safety than Fort Collins, whose index is 72.86. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Bakersfield and Fort Collins is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Fort Collins vs. Bakersfield move
- Weather: Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Bakersfield. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Now that you've chosen California's Country Music Capital as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Bakersfield
- The Oaks
- Westchester
- Laurelglen
- Belsera
Best neighborhoods for families
- Seven Oaks
- Northwest Bakersfield
- Southwest Bakersfield
- Olde Stockdale
- Haggin Oaks
Things to do in Bakersfield
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Bakersfield is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Bakersfield include museums and art centers like the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
The best time to move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fort Collins.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
With many people choosing to move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield take?
The 1,091-mile move from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA, takes two to eight days. Some Fort Collins movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Bakersfield.
Which movers in Fort Collins offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 14 movers in Fort Collins have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CO, there are 47 piano movers and 25 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 1901 and 1176.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.