Factors influencing moving costs from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield
What to know before moving from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield
Moving from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Bakersfield is generally more expensive than Myrtle Beach, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Myrtle Beach | Bakersfield | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,850 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $299,556 | $389,732 |
Average income (per capita) | $53,985 | $73,827 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,388 | $2,493 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,791 | $6,940 |
Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Bakersfield are 8% lower than in Myrtle Beach, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Myrtle Beach.
Home prices in Bakersfield are 30.1% higher than in Myrtle Beach. - Income in Bakersfield is 36.8% higher than in Myrtle Beach, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Bakersfield include Bakersfield City School District, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Kern High School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 4.4% higher than in Myrtle Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 44.9% higher than in Myrtle Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 22.37% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Bakersfield, since the cityโs sales taxes in Bakersfield are 8.33% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- State income taxes in Bakersfield are 90.00% higher than in Myrtle Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,131.91 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Myrtle Beach.
How life is different in Myrtle Beach vs. Bakersfield
Bakersfield | Myrtle Beach | |
---|---|---|
Population | 909,235 | 35,682 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 2 |
Walkability score | 37 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 44 | 54 |
Crime Index | 58.49 | 58.06 |
Safety Index | 41.51 | 41.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 2,448% greater than Myrtle Beach.
- Bakersfield's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Myrtle Beach's lower score of 2.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than Myrtle Beach with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Myrtle Beach's 43 out of 100.
- Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Myrtle Beach, which has a score of 54 out of 100.
- Bakersfield and Myrtle Beach have a similar crime rate.
- Bakersfield and Myrtle Beach are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is good, and in Myrtle Beach it's good.
Other things to consider for your Myrtle Beach vs. Bakersfield move
- Weather: Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Bakersfield
With your sights set on "California's Country Music Capital", these are some of the most popular 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in California, itโs time to get out and discover what Bakersfield has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Bakersfield features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- 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 Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield?
The best time to move from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Myrtle Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield?
Because most people are moving from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Myrtle Beach to Bakersfield take?
The 2,551-mile move from Myrtle Beach, SC, to Bakersfield, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Myrtle Beach movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Bakersfield.