($551+) Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $551 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,518 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,848, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,518 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,076 - $3,658, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $551 - $1,511.
- 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 $2,435 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
Moving options from Albuquerque to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,435 - $6,001 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 802-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
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 | $1,848 - $4,578 | $1,076 - $1,962 | $551 - $1,080 | $967 - $1,678 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,435 - $6,001 | $1,382 - $2,668 | $612 - $1,233 | $1,128 - $2,199 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,231 - $8,518 | $1,800 - $3,658 | $767 - $1,511 | $1,470 - $2,729 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
For the 802-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $1,848 and $8,518. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $286 - $1,904 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Albuquerque generally start 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: $1,848 - $4,578
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,435 - $6,001
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,231 - $8,518
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.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Albuquerque movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% 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 coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% 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 items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Albuquerque NM Movers | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type24% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: EXCEPTIONAL (NM) | $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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Albuquerque, NM, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,076 and $3,658. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Albuquerque runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,076 - $1,962
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,668
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,800 - $3,658
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 $1,076. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,382 - $2,668.
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
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
- Mr. Move It All (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 802-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $551 and $1,511. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $551 - $1,080
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $612 - $1,233
- 4+ bedrooms: $767 - $1,511
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $551 - $1,511 does not include fuel ($243 - $278), lodging ($143/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Albuquerque to Bakersfield typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $666.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $243 - $278 for the 802-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $57 and $309, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night for hotel stops on the 802-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $286 - $428.
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 $2,199.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $967 - $1,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,199
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,470 - $2,729
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $143 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, typically costs $666.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Albuquerque to Bakersfield, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 average rent is $1,250/mo vs. $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 43 vs 37 and safety scores are 28.28 vs 41.51.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Mexico alone has 39 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 802-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Albuquerque, NM, to Bakersfield, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,848 - $8,518 on the 802-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,076 - $3,658, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $551 - $1,511. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,435 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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
How walkable is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 43 and 61 in Albuquerque. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $551 to $8,518, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,848 and $8,518, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 do local movers charge in Albuquerque?
Local movers based in Albuquerque typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $80/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Bakersfield run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Albuquerque, NM to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 24% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.