($1,406) Movers From Chapel Hill, NC to Bakersfield, CA

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Bakersfield

Moving from Chapel Hill to Bakersfield comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Bakersfield is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Bakersfield are 13% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Bakersfield.
  Home prices in Bakersfield are 34.2% lower than in Chapel Hill.
• Income in Bakersfield is 12.5% higher than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Bakersfield include Bakersfield City School District, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Kern High School District.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 10.9% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 44.9% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 84.38% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Bakersfield, since the city’s sales taxes in Bakersfield are 10.00% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• State income taxes in Bakersfield are 195.56% higher than in Chapel Hill.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,326.96 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Bakersfield

• Bakersfield's population is about 1,326% greater than Chapel Hill.
• Bakersfield's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chapel Hill's higher score of 6.
• Bakersfield and Chapel Hill are similarily walkable.
• Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chapel Hill, which has a score of 50 out of 100.
• Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 58.49 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
• Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 41.51 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
• Air quality in Bakersfield is good, and in Chapel Hill it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill vs. Bakersfield move

• Weather: Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it\’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• 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 toBakersfield Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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.

Helpful moving resources