($607+) Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $572 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,852 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 802 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,899, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,852 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,095 - $3,841, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $572 - $1,586.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,530 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Albuquerque to Bakersfield: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,530 - $6,687. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 802 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 802-mile route from Albuquerque to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,899 - $5,104 | $1,095 - $2,080 | $572 - $1,167 | $1,016 - $1,890 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,530 - $6,687 | $1,509 - $2,915 | $662 - $1,255 | $1,114 - $2,285 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,575 - $8,852 | $1,889 - $3,841 | $765 - $1,586 | $1,621 - $3,132 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 802-mile relocation from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,899 and $8,852. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $286 - $1,904, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Albuquerque typically charge a base rate around $185 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,899 - $5,104
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,530 - $6,687
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,575 - $8,852
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 Albuquerque to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Mexico to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Albuquerque movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Bakersfield, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque to Bakersfield?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,095 and $3,841. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Albuquerque typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $2,080
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,509 - $2,915
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,889 - $3,841
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $143 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $666 in Albuquerque, NM, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Bakersfield, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico 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 $1,095. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,509 - $2,915, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- Johnson Storage & Moving (4.3/5), 126 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Truck rentals from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California, range from $572 - $1,586 for the 802-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $243 - $278
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $572 - $1,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $662 - $1,255
- 4+ bedrooms: $765 - $1,586
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Albuquerque to Bakersfield starts at $572 - $1,586, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($243 - $278) , overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Albuquerque, New Mexico, usually costs about $666 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 802-mile drive falls between $243 and $278, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $286 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $857 and $2,285.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,621 - $3,132
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $666.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $143 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- THE Tire Welder, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): THE Tire Welder, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Bakersfield fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Albuquerque, NM vs Bakersfield, CA
Albuquerque and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 92 in Albuquerque and 100 in Bakersfield, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $1,695/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (43 vs 37) and safety scores (28.28 vs 41.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico 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 19 movers licensed in New Mexico, useful context for sizing up this 802-mile move.
Our take
The 802-mile move from Albuquerque, NM, to Bakersfield, CA, costs between $1,899 and $8,852 with full-service movers, $1,095 - $3,841 with a moving container, and $572 - $1,586 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,530 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 Albuquerque, NM, to Bakersfield, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Albuquerque, NM 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 $662 - $1,255. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($243 - $278), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
