Top local movers for Charleston to Bakersfield moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Bakersfield can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 10 local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Bakersfield.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Bakersfield?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,190 – $4,906 | $1,271 – $3,322 | $1,445 – $2,770 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,304 – $6,769 | $2,258 – $4,789 | $1,415 – $3,171 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,730 – $10,806 | $3,045 – $6,573 | $1,864 – $4,045 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Bakersfield
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Bakersfield typically costs between $1,190 and $4,906. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,304 and $6,769 when moving from Charleston to Bakersfield. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Bakersfield, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,730 up to $10,806.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Bakersfield
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Bakersfield, you’ll typically spend between $1,271 and $3,322 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,258 up to $4,789. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,045 and $6,573. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Bakersfield
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Bakersfield move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,445 and $2,770. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,415 to $3,171. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,864 and $4,045.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Bakersfield
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Bakersfield might be as low as $2,547, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,355.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,445 to $3,372 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Bakersfield
Many movers find Bakersfield easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 53% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,493 for one person in Bakersfield versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,940 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Good news! When moving to Bakersfield from Charleston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 32% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 30% cheaper in Bakersfield, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 19% higher in Bakersfield than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Bakersfield. The cost of living for a single person is 53% less compared to Charleston.
- Relocating to Bakersfield could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield exceeds that of Charleston by about 48%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Bakersfield than Charleston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 90% higher in California than in South Carolina. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Bakersfield, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Bakersfield
| Charleston | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 44 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield’s population is about 505% greater than Charleston.
- Bakersfield’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 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 Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Bakersfield’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.49 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 41.51 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Bakersfield without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Ready to relocate to California’s Country Music Capital? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Bakersfield.
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
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Bakersfield. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Bakersfield include museums and art centers like the Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Bakersfield?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Bakersfield. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Bakersfield?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Bakersfield in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Bakersfield take?
Covering 2,495 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Bakersfield, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Bakersfield can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Bakersfield?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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