($1,143+) Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,143 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,331 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,943 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,429, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,331 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,578 - $5,368, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,143 - $3,051.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,499 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 Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,499 - $7,882 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 39% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 66% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,943 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,943-mile route from Minneapolis to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,429 - $5,318 | $1,578 - $2,874 | $1,143 - $2,267 | $1,350 - $2,640 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,499 - $7,882 | $2,122 - $4,316 | $1,176 - $2,518 | $1,698 - $3,355 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,380 - $11,331 | $2,905 - $5,368 | $1,499 - $3,051 | $2,279 - $4,608 |
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 Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $2,429 and $11,331. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,943-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $313 - $2,084, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Minneapolis and Bakersfield. For a rough baseline, movers based in Minneapolis tend to start around $240 plus $109/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,429 - $5,318
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,499 - $7,882
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,380 - $11,331
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 Minneapolis to Bakersfield.
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.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AAA Movers | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Minneapolis, MN. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,578 and $5,368. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Bakersfield. If you go over that window, storage in Minneapolis adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,578 - $2,874
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,122 - $4,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,905 - $5,368
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Minneapolis, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $729, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $156 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Minneapolis, MN, and Bakersfield, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota 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 $1,578. 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 $2,122 - $4,316.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 1,943-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,143 and $3,051. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $644 - $736
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,143 - $2,267
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,518
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,499 - $3,051
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,143 - $3,051 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to Bakersfield. Fuel alone runs $644 - $736, and overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $644 - $736 for the 1,943-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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $729.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,943-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $156 per night, adding $313 - $469 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $313.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,698 and $3,355.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,350 - $2,640
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,698 - $3,355
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,279 - $4,608
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $78 and $156.
- 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $729.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Bakersfield?
- 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: 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: Minneapolis, MN vs Bakersfield, CA
Day-to-day costs in Bakersfield are close to what you're used to in Minneapolis: cost of living index of 100 versus 107, with average rent of $1,695/mo compared to $1,484/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 71/100 and 43.94/100 in Minneapolis versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota 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 141 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 1,943-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,429 for a studio to $11,331 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,943-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,578 - $5,368. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,143 - $3,051, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,499 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Bakersfield, CA
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 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis, MN 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 $1,176 - $2,518. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?
For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Minneapolis?
Local movers based in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $109/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Bakersfield run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.