($1,719+) Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,719 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,411 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,992 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,567, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,411 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,069 - $7,846, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,719 - $5,071.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,073 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 Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Providence to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $4,073 - $7,925 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,992 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,992-mile route from Providence to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,567 - $6,265 | $2,069 - $4,037 | $1,719 - $3,502 | $1,882 - $3,854 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,073 - $7,925 | $2,685 - $5,625 | $1,788 - $4,050 | $2,279 - $4,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,053 - $12,411 | $3,898 - $7,846 | $2,306 - $5,071 | $2,937 - $6,465 |
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 Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $2,567 and $12,411. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,992-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $316 - $2,108, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Providence and Bakersfield. For a rough baseline, movers based in Providence tend to start around $348 plus $90/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,567 - $6,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,073 - $7,925
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,053 - $12,411
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 Providence to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Rhode Island to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Providence 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 packing97% of local movers | $527 - $5,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $211 - $1,265/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,530 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage57% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,054 - $3,162 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,635 - $10,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $789 - $1,500 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items58% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,054 - $2,635 |
| Piano | Any piano type84% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $843 - $3,689 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $316 - $1,581 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect19% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Marathon Moving Co. | $685 - $2,108 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,689+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Providence, RI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,069 and $7,846. 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 Providence runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,069 - $4,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,685 - $5,625
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,898 - $7,846
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $738 in Providence, RI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $79 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $158 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Bakersfield, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Rhode Island 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 $2,069. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,685 - $5,625, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Correira Brothers' Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 16 years in business
- Marathon Moving Co. (4.7/5), 26 years in business
- Economy Movers & Storage Inc (4.6/5), 50 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,992 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, to Bakersfield, California, running $1,719 - $5,071. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,003 - $1,147
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Providence daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Providence to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,719 - $3,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,788 - $4,050
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,306 - $5,071
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Providence to Bakersfield starts at $1,719 - $5,071, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,003 - $1,147) , overnight lodging ($158/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $79 and $369.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $158.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,003 and $1,147 for the 2,992-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $738 for 2 movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence 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 Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Providence, Rhode Island, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,279 and $4,500.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,882 - $3,854
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,279 - $4,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,937 - $6,465
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $79 - $158 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 Providence, Rhode Island, typically costs $738.
What are the best freight companies from Providence 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.
- Blue Sun Super Service (4.76/5 stars): Blue Sun Super Service 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: Providence, RI vs Bakersfield, CA
Providence and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 109 in Providence and 100 in Bakersfield, and rent tracks closely too ($2,200/mo vs. $1,695/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (76 vs 37) and safety scores (50.16 vs 41.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Providence, RI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Rhode Island to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 11 movers based in Rhode Island, handy for sizing up options on this 2,992-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Providence, RI, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,567 for a studio to $12,411 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,992-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,069 - $7,846. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,719 - $5,071, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,073 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 Providence, RI, to Bakersfield, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Providence, RI 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 50.16 and 49.84 in Providence. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Providence, RI 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 $1,788 - $4,050. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 84% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 58% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
