Things to know before moving from Nebraska to Bakersfield, CA

Cost of living: Nebraska vs Bakersfield, CA

Nebraska Bakersfield
Average rent cost $987 $1,695
Average home value $259,443 $389,732
Average income (per capita) $71,722 $73,827
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 7% 13%
  • Rent is about 72% more expensive in Bakersfield than in Nebraska.
  • Home prices are about 50% higher in Bakersfield than in Nebraska.
  • The average income is about 3% higher in Bakersfield than in Nebraska.
  • Bakersfield has a higher unemployment rate than Nebraska by about 119%.
  • Income taxes are 100% higher in Bakersfield than in Nebraska.

How life is different in Bakersfield from Nebraska

Bakersfield Nebraska
Population 909,235 1,978,379
Political leaning Republican 51-46 Republican 59.6-39.1
Summer high 97ºF 87ºF
Winter low 38ºF 13ºF
Annual rain 7" 27"
Annual snow 0" 28"
Crime index 58.49 21.72
  • The population of Bakersfield is approximately 54% lower than the population of Nebraska.
  • In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican and Nebraska voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Bakersfield is 97ºF and in Nebraska, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Bakersfield reaches the temperature of 38ºF and Nebraska gets down to 13ºF.
  • You can expect about 7 inches of annual rainfall in Bakersfield vs 27 inches of rainfall in Nebraska.
  • In Bakersfield, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 28 inches of snow in Nebraska.
  • Bakersfield has a higher crime rate than Nebraska with a crime index of 58.49 vs 21.72.

Things to do in Bakersfield

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Bakersfield.

Museums in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
  • Kern County Museum
  • Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
  • Bakersfield Museum of Art

Parks in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • The Park at River Walk
  • Peacocks at Hart Park

Sports Teams in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Universities in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • California State University, Bakersfield
  • Bakersfield College

Other considerations when moving to Bakersfield, CA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Nebraska to Bakersfield take?

The time frame for a move from Nebraska to Bakersfield, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Nebraska, the longer the drive time to Bakersfield will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Bakersfield from Nebraska can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Nebraska to Bakersfield?

Because of the 1348-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Nebraska to Bakersfield as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield, CA?

With the summer highs of 97ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Bakersfield from Nebraska during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Bakersfield during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources