($1,546+) Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,562 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,021 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,686 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,607, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,021 or more.
  • Moving containers run $2,055 - $7,060, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,562 - $4,513.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,797 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

Moving options from Washington DC to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,797 - $8,165 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,686-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,686-mile route from Washington DC to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,607 - $6,307 $2,055 - $3,761 $1,562 - $3,029 $1,743 - $3,249
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,797 - $8,165 $2,562 - $5,503 $1,659 - $3,497 $2,008 - $4,103
4+ bedrooms $7,738 - $13,021 $3,602 - $7,060 $2,096 - $4,513 $2,939 - $5,531

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

For the 2,686-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $2,607 and $13,021. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $392 - $2,612 (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 Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,607 - $6,307
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,797 - $8,165
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,738 - $13,021

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 Washington DC to Bakersfield.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$653 - $6,530
Storage in transitNew place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$261 - $1,567/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$392 - $3,134
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,306 - $3,918
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,265 - $13,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$978 - $1,858
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,306 - $3,265
PianoAny piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,045 - $4,571
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$392 - $1,959
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$849 - $2,612
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$392 - $19,590+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$392 - $4,571+

What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Bakersfield?

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 Washington DC, MD. 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 Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,055 and $7,060. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Washington DC costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,055 - $3,761
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,562 - $5,503
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,602 - $7,060

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 $914 in Washington DC, MD. 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 $98 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $196 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 Bakersfield, CA, destination before booking.

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 $2,055. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,562 - $5,503, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Bakersfield?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:

  • BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

Truck rentals from Washington DC, Maryland, to Bakersfield, California, range from $1,562 - $4,513 for the 2,686-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,116 - $1,276
  • Daily insurance: $39/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
  • Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Bakersfield based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,562 - $3,029
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,659 - $3,497
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,513

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,562 - $4,513 does not include fuel ($1,116 - $1,276) , lodging ($196/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Bakersfield typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $196 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 Washington DC, Maryland, usually costs about $914 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 2,686-mile drive falls between $1,116 and $1,276, 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 $65 and $392 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Bakersfield?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA

For larger DIY moves from Washington DC, Maryland, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Bakersfield, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,008 and $4,103.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Bakersfield:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,743 - $3,249
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,008 - $4,103
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,939 - $5,531

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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $98 - $196 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, typically costs $914.

What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Bakersfield?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Bakersfield quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Washington DC, MD Bakersfield, CA
Cost of living index151100
Average rent$2,400/mo$1,695/mo
Median home value$594,337$345,317
Average income$101,027/yr$77,397/yr
Unemployment rate7.0%5.9%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score77/10037/100
Safety index39.63/10041.51/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Washington DC, MD guide.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 2,686-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Bakersfield, CA, run $2,607 - $13,021 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $2,055 - $7,060, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,562 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,797, 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 Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.

FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Bakersfield, CA

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,116 - $1,276), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $196/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD to Bakersfield, CA?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

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 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.