Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best TN→CA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 71 Tennessee movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Memphis to Bakersfield

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about 35% higher for singles and 58% higher for families than Memphis.

Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $6,940 compared with $4,402.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Memphis	Bakersfield
Average 1 BR rent	$1,187	$1,850
Average 3 BR rent	$1,571	$2,450
Average home value	$143,715	$389,732
Average income (per capita)	$48,090	$73,827
Cost of living (single)	$1,842	$2,493
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,402	$6,940
Unemployment rate	8.0%	5.9%
Sales tax	9.75%	8.25%
State income tax	0.0%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 30% higher in Bakersfield than in Memphis, which may impact your monthly finances.
A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 171% higher in Bakersfield than in Memphis.
Exciting news here, the average income is about 54% higher in Bakersfield than in Memphis, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
Anticipate increased living expenses in Bakersfield, as the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 35% greater than in Memphis. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
As you plan your move to Bakersfield, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 58% more than it is in Memphis.
With an unemployment rate approximately 26% lower than Memphis, Bakersfield boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
Sales taxes are 15% lower in Bakersfield than Memphis, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
California has a state income tax, while Tennessee 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.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Memphis and Bakersfield, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Memphis	Bakersfield
Basic utilities	$213.78	$340.00
Cell phone plan	$58.88	$53.67
Dozen eggs	$4.12	$2.95
Loaf of bread	$2.83	$3.81
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$19.50	$25.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$75.00	$67.50
Gym membership	$37.67	$36.50

Basic utilities cost less in Memphis than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in Bakersfield.
Eggs cost more in Memphis than in Bakersfield.
Bread costs less in Memphis than in Bakersfield.
A quick meal is cheaper in Memphis than in Bakersfield.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Memphis than in Bakersfield.
Gym memberships cost more in Memphis than in Bakersfield.

How life is different in Memphis vs. Bakersfield

	Memphis	Bakersfield
Population	633,104	909,235
Transportation score	4	4
Walkability score	35	37
Bike friendliness score	41	44
Crime index	77.49	58.49
Safety index	22.51	41.51
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Bakersfield's population is about 44% greater than Memphis.
Bakersfield's public transportation score is within about 5% of Memphis, making them very similar.
Bakersfield is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
With a score of 44 out of 100, Bakersfield is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Bakersfield's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 58.49 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
Bakersfield is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 41.51 vs Memphis's 22.51.
Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in Memphis it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Memphis 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.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Memphis to Bakersfield?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Memphis to Bakersfield. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Memphis.

When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Bakersfield?

With many people choosing to move from Memphis 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 Memphis to Bakersfield take?

Covering 1,808 miles, the move from Memphis, TN to Bakersfield, CA typically takes five to 16 days. Some Memphis movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Bakersfield can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in Memphis can handle specialty items for my move to Bakersfield?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Memphis, 7 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TN, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.