St. Petersburg, FL to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield typically costs $3,700–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,575 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield
Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $3,700–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,575-mile move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $8,529 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,036 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,296 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 30, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 20, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,400, but larger homes can run up to $11,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in St. Petersburg.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,700–$4,800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to St. Petersburg, FL guide.
Best St. Petersburg to Bakersfield movers by type
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Best professional movers from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield
For a stress-free interstate move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best FL→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 227 Florida moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about -6% higher for singles and 12% higher for families than St. Petersburg.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $2,642 in St. Petersburg; families pay $6,940 compared with $6,178.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| St. Petersburg | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | |
| Average home value | $360,584 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,374 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,642 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,178 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 18% lower in Bakersfield than in St. Petersburg, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 8% higher in Bakersfield than in St. Petersburg.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 15% higher in Bakersfield compared to St. Petersburg, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Bakersfield, where the cost of living for a single person is 6% less than in St. Petersburg.
- If your journey leads to Bakersfield, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 12% more than it is in St. Petersburg.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 28% higher compared to St. Petersburg, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 18% higher in Bakersfield than in St. Petersburg. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- California has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing St. Petersburg with Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | St. Petersburg | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | |
| Gym membership | $36.50 |
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Bakersfield
| St. Petersburg | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 44 |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 60.46 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 251% greater than St. Petersburg.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than St. Petersburg's score of 6.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than St. Petersburg with a score of 37 out of 100 vs St. Petersburg's 43 out of 100.
- Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Petersburg, which has a score of 59.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than St. Petersburg with a score of 58.49 compared to St. Petersburg's 39.54. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than St. Petersburg with a score of 41.51 vs St. Petersburg's 60.46.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in St. Petersburg it's Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Petersburg to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Bakersfield smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Bakersfield offers cultural landmarks 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in St. Petersburg are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield?
Because spring and fall moves from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Bakersfield take?
A move of 2,575 miles from St. Petersburg, FL to Bakersfield, CA generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in St. Petersburg sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Bakersfield is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in St. Petersburg?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in St. Petersburg offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 31 movers in St. Petersburg have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 21 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across FL, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
