Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Jersey City to Bakersfield typically costs $4,300–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,788 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Jersey City to Bakersfield
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $4,300–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,788-mile move from Jersey City to Bakersfield, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $6,530 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,459 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $3,353 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Jersey City to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,600, but larger homes can run up to $12,500.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Jersey City.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,800–$5,100) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Best Jersey City to Bakersfield movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Jersey City to Bakersfield
For a stress-free interstate move from Jersey City to Bakersfield, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NJ→CA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 86 New Jersey moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Bakersfield
Many movers find Bakersfield easier on the wallet than Jersey City - roughly 43% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Bakersfield versus $4,397 in Jersey City. For a family of four, it's $6,940 compared with $9,861.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jersey City | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,306 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,833 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $589,419 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,397 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,861 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.63% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 13.3% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 43% lower in Bakersfield than in Jersey City, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 34% lower in Bakersfield than in Jersey City.
- The average income in Bakersfield and Jersey City is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Bakersfield, where the cost of living for a single person is 43% less than in Jersey City.
- Moving to Bakersfield could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 30% less than in Jersey City.
- Bakersfield experiences an unemployment rate that is about 29% lower than that of Jersey City. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 24% higher in Bakersfield than in Jersey City. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 24% higher in California compared to New Jersey. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Jersey City with Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Jersey City | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.73 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $80.00 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jersey City than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jersey City than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Jersey City than in Bakersfield.
- Bread is more expensive in Jersey City than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Jersey City than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Jersey City than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in Jersey City than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Bakersfield
| Jersey City | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 292,449 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 87 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 44 |
| Crime index | 43.21 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 56.79 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 211% greater than Jersey City.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Jersey City's score of 9.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 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 Jersey City, which has a score of 64.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Jersey City with a score of 58.49 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Jersey City with a score of 41.51 vs Jersey City's 56.79.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Jersey City it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Bakersfield smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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.
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
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Bakersfield is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Bakersfield offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Bakersfield?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Jersey City to Bakersfield are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Jersey City are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Bakersfield?
Because spring and fall moves from Jersey City to Bakersfield are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Jersey City to Bakersfield take?
A move of 2,788 miles from Jersey City, NJ to Bakersfield, CA generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Jersey City sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Bakersfield is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Jersey City?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Jersey City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 9 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Jersey City offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 143 movers in Jersey City have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 116 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NJ, there are 77 piano movers and 60 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,294 and 1,462.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
