($726+) Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $762 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,900 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,091 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,316, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,900 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,190 - $4,335, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $762 - $1,914.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,766 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Fort Collins to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,766 - $6,642 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,091 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,091-mile route from Fort Collins to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,316 - $5,369, container $1,190 - $2,338, rental truck $762 - $1,462, freight trailer $1,128 - $2,125.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,766 - $6,642, container $1,598 - $3,125, rental truck $760 - $1,689, freight trailer $1,239 - $2,474.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,688 - $8,900, container $2,180 - $4,335, rental truck $994 - $1,914, freight trailer $1,813 - $3,298.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,091-mile move from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,316 - $8,900. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $329 - $2,192 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fort Collins and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fort Collins movers tend to run around $301 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fort Collins to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,316 - $5,369
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,766 - $6,642
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,688 - $8,900
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 Fort Collins to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Colorado to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Fort Collins movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Bakersfield, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $548 - $5,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Exodus Moving and Storage | $219 - $1,315/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $329 - $2,630 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,096 - $3,288 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,740 - $10,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $821 - $1,560 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,096 - $2,740 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Exodus Moving and Storage | $877 - $3,836 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $329 - $1,644 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $712 - $2,192 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $329 - $16,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $329 - $3,836+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fort Collins, CO, 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 Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,190 and $4,335. 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 Fort Collins typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fort Collins to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,190 - $2,338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,598 - $3,125
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,180 - $4,335
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $82 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $164 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $767 in Fort Collins, CO, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Bakersfield, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado to California 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 $1,190. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,598 - $3,125, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
- 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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins:
- Exodus Moving and Storage (4.6/5), 26 years in business
- Johnson Storage & Moving (4.7/5), 126 years in business
- Choice Moving Company (4.9/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,091 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California, running $762 - $1,914. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $380 - $435
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Fort Collins daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Fort Collins to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $762 - $1,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $760 - $1,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $994 - $1,914
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $762 - $1,914 when pricing out a rental truck from Fort Collins to Bakersfield. Fuel alone runs ($380 - $435) , and overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $164 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Fort Collins, Colorado, usually costs about $767 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,091-mile drive falls between $380 and $435, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $55 and $329 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
- 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 Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Bakersfield, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,239 and $2,474.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fort Collins to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,474
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,813 - $3,298
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $82 and $164.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Fort Collins, Colorado, for roughly five hours typically average $767.
What are the best freight companies from Fort Collins to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Sutherland Trucking (4.34/5 stars): Sutherland Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Fort Collins to Bakersfield, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Fort Collins, CO vs Bakersfield, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Bakersfield, side by side with Fort Collins on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fort Collins, CO | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 100 |
| Average rent | $1,750/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $544,203 | $345,317 |
| Average income | $83,598/yr | $77,397/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 72.86/100 | 41.51/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Fort Collins, CO guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 81 movers licensed in Colorado, useful context for sizing up this 1,091-mile move.
Our take
A move from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,316 - $8,900 on the 1,091-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,190 - $4,335, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $762 - $1,914. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,766 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Fort Collins, CO, to Bakersfield, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA?
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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 72.86 and 17.0 in Fort Collins. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Fort Collins, CO to Bakersfield, CA?
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 $760 - $1,689. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Fort Collins movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Fort Collins handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
