Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield typically costs $4,300–$9,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,650 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $4,300–$9,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,650-mile move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,221 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $3,459 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,069 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 13, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $3,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Sioux Falls, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,100–$3,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Best Sioux Falls to Bakersfield movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best SD→CA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 15 South Dakota moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about 41% higher for singles and 53% higher for families than Sioux Falls.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $1,770 in Sioux Falls; families pay $6,940 compared with $4,542.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Sioux Falls | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,265 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,250 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $318,982 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,538 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,770 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,542 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 54% higher in Bakersfield compared to Sioux Falls; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 22% greater in Bakersfield than in Sioux Falls.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 26% higher in Bakersfield than in Sioux Falls, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 41% higher than in Sioux Falls. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Bakersfield, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 53% greater than in Sioux Falls.
- In Bakersfield, the unemployment rate is approximately 84% higher than in Sioux Falls, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 27% in Bakersfield over Sioux Falls, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- California has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Sioux Falls and Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | Sioux Falls | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $205.37 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.20 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.28 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $43.88 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Sioux Falls than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Sioux Falls than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in Sioux Falls than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in Sioux Falls than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Sioux Falls than in Bakersfield.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Sioux Falls than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in Sioux Falls vs. Bakersfield
| Sioux Falls | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,600 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 38 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 44 |
| Crime index | 42.83 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 57.17 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 349% greater than Sioux Falls.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Sioux Falls's score of 2.
- Bakersfield and Sioux Falls are similarly walkable.
- Both Bakersfield and Sioux Falls have similar bike-friendliness scores (46 vs 44), meaning Bakersfield is about as safe for cyclists as Sioux Falls. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Sioux Falls with a score of 58.49 compared to Sioux Falls's 42.83. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sioux Falls neighborhoods are safer than 42.83%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Sioux Falls with a score of 41.51 vs Sioux Falls's 57.17.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Sioux Falls it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Sioux Falls to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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 “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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Bakersfield. 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 – 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Bakersfield
Now that you've decided to make the move to California's Country Music Capital, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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 you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Bakersfield has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Bakersfield, such as the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield?
The best time to move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Sioux Falls.
When is the cheapest time to move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield take?
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA covers 1,650 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Sioux Falls movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Bakersfield.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Sioux Falls?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 4 movers in Sioux Falls advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Sioux Falls provide antique moving services. State totals show 9 piano movers and 3 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
