($1,011+) Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,011 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,889 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,650 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,779, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,889 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,528 - $5,125, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,011 - $2,766.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,736 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,736 - $8,962 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,650 miles, this route usually takes 4 to 15 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,650-mile route from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,779 - $6,027 with full-service movers, $1,528 - $2,877 with a container, $1,011 - $2,079 with a rental truck, or $1,334 - $2,512 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,736 - $8,962 full-service, $2,033 - $4,183 by container, $1,138 - $2,238 by rental truck, or $1,485 - $3,347 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,543 - $11,889 full-service, $2,612 - $5,125 by container, $1,335 - $2,766 by rental truck, or $2,218 - $4,271 by freight.
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 Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,650-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,779 - $11,889. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $284 - $1,892 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Sioux Falls and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Sioux Falls movers tend to run around $424 as a base rate plus $182/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,779 - $6,027
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,736 - $8,962
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,543 - $11,889
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 Sioux Falls to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 71% of Sioux Falls 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 packing100% of local movers | $473 - $4,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $189 - $1,135/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,270 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage57% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $946 - $2,838 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,365 - $9,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $709 - $1,346 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Movin' On Out Inc | $946 - $2,365 |
| Piano | Any piano type57% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $757 - $3,311 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $284 - $1,419 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Brouwer Relocation Inc | $615 - $1,892 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,190+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,311+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Sioux Falls, SD. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,528 and $5,125. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Bakersfield. If you go over that window, storage in Sioux Falls adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,528 - $2,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,033 - $4,183
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,612 - $5,125
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Sioux Falls, SD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $662, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $71 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $142 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Sioux Falls, SD, and Bakersfield, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Dakota 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 $1,528. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,033 - $4,183, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Movin' On Out Inc (4.4/5), 22 years in business
- Brouwer Relocation Inc (4.9/5), 57 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 1,650-mile move from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,011 and $2,766. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $497 - $568
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,011 - $2,079
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,138 - $2,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,335 - $2,766
Pro tip: A rental truck from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,011 - $2,766. But once you factor in fuel ($497 - $568) , overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $662.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $497 - $568 for the 1,650-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 $307, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $142 per night for hotel stops on the 1,650-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $284 - $426.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls, SD to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Bakersfield, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,485 and $3,347.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,334 - $2,512
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,485 - $3,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,218 - $4,271
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $662.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $142 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Sioux Falls to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Heyl Truck Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Bakersfield quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Bakersfield, CA
Sioux Falls and Bakersfield land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Sioux Falls and 100 in Bakersfield, and rent tracks closely too ($1,100/mo vs. $1,695/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (38 vs 37) and safety scores (57.17 vs 41.51) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Dakota to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 14 movers in South Dakota, so you have real options to compare for this 1,650-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,779 for a studio to $11,889 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,650-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,528 - $5,125. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,011 - $2,766, 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 $3,736 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 Sioux Falls, SD, 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 38 and 46 in Sioux Falls. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($497 - $568), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $142/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 Sioux Falls, SD 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.
What percentage of Sioux Falls movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 57% of movers in Sioux Falls handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
