St. Paul, MN to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MN→CA movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 50 Minnesota moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to Bakersfield

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Bakersfield runs about -31% higher for singles and 62% higher for families than St. Paul.

Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $6,940 compared with $4,290.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	St. Paul	Bakersfield
Average 1 BR rent		$1,850
Average 3 BR rent		$2,450
Average home value	$278,221	$389,732
Average income (per capita)	$63,483	$73,827
Cost of living (single)	$3,633	$2,493
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,290	$6,940
Unemployment rate	4.9%	5.9%
Sales tax	9.88%	8.25%
State income tax	9.85%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is estimated to be 26% higher in Bakersfield compared to St. Paul; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 40% greater in Bakersfield than in St. Paul.
Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 16% higher in Bakersfield than in St. Paul, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Bakersfield. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31% lower than in St. Paul.
When relocating to Bakersfield, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 62% greater than in St. Paul.
In Bakersfield, the unemployment rate is approximately 20% higher than in St. Paul, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
Sales taxes drop 16% in Bakersfield compared to St. Paul, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
Income taxes are 35% higher in California than in Minnesota, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between St. Paul and Bakersfield:

Living Expense	St. Paul	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. Paul vs. Bakersfield

	St. Paul	Bakersfield
Population	303,176	909,235
Transportation score	8	4
Walkability score	60	37
Bike friendliness score	64	44
Crime index	50.86	58.49
Safety index	49.14	41.51
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Bakersfield’s population is about 200% greater than St. Paul.
Bakersfield’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul’s score of 8.
Bakersfield is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 37 out of 100 vs St. Paul’s 60 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. Paul, which has a score of 64.
Bakersfield’s crime rate is higher than St. Paul with a score of 58.49 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than St. Paul with a score of 41.51 vs St. Paul’s 49.14.
Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in St. Paul it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your St. Paul to Bakersfield move

HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Bakersfield. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Bakersfield

Now that you’ve decided to make the move to California’s Country Music Capital, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Bakersfield.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Bakersfield has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Bakersfield, such as 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: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Bakersfield?

The best time to move from St. Paul to Bakersfield is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Paul.

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Bakersfield?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Paul to Bakersfield, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from St. Paul to Bakersfield take?

Moving from St. Paul, MN to Bakersfield, CA covers 1,947 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some St. Paul movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Bakersfield.

Which movers in St. Paul give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 3 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.

Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.

Who can move pianos or antiques in St. Paul?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 28 movers in St. Paul advertise piano moving expertise. 13 movers in St. Paul provide antique moving services. State totals show 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,300 and 1,465.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.