($1,178+) Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Nashville, TN, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,178 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,665 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,019 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,407, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,665 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,655 - $5,433, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,178 - $3,375.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Nashville, TN, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,493 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 Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Nashville to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,493 - $7,370 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 63% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,019 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,019-mile route from Nashville to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,407 - $5,510 | $1,655 - $2,993 | $1,178 - $2,294 | $1,376 - $2,775 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,493 - $7,370 | $2,038 - $4,153 | $1,276 - $2,652 | $1,567 - $3,523 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,155 - $11,665 | $2,793 - $5,433 | $1,578 - $3,375 | $2,123 - $4,301 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,019-mile relocation from Nashville, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $2,407 and $11,665. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $309 - $2,060, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Nashville typically charge a base rate around $275 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Nashville to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,407 - $5,510
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,493 - $7,370
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,155 - $11,665
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 Nashville to Bakersfield.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee 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 Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Nashville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Bakersfield, 71% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $515 - $5,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $206 - $1,236/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $309 - $2,472 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,030 - $3,090 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,575 - $10,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $771 - $1,466 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items23% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,030 - $2,575 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $824 - $3,605 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $309 - $1,545 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $670 - $2,060 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $309 - $15,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $309 - $3,605+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Nashville to Bakersfield?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Nashville, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Nashville, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,655 and $5,433. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Nashville runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Nashville to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,655 - $2,993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $4,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,793 - $5,433
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Nashville, TN and Bakersfield, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $721 in Nashville, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $155 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $1,655. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,038 - $4,153.
What are the best moving containers Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,019 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Bakersfield, California, running $1,178 - $3,375. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $662 - $756
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Nashville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Nashville to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,178 - $2,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,652
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,578 - $3,375
Pro tip: A rental truck from Nashville to Bakersfield looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,178 - $3,375. But once you factor in fuel ($662 - $756), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Nashville, Tennessee, usually costs about $721 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,019-mile drive falls between $662 and $756, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $309 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Nashville 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 Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Nashville, Tennessee, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Bakersfield, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,567 and $3,523.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Nashville to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,376 - $2,775
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,567 - $3,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,123 - $4,301
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $77 - $155 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Nashville, Tennessee, typically costs $721.
What are the best freight companies from Nashville to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Nashville to Bakersfield. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Nashville, TN vs Bakersfield, CA
Good news for your budget: Bakersfield isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Nashville. Cost of living index runs 100 there against 105 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 96/100 and 50.9/100 here versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Nashville, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 2,019-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Nashville, TN, to Bakersfield, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,407 for a studio to $11,665 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,019-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,655 - $5,433. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,178 - $3,375, 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 $3,493 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 Nashville, TN, to Bakersfield, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Nashville, TN to Bakersfield, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,276 - $2,652. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
Bakersfield has a safety index of 41.51 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.49, compared to 50.9 and 49.1 in Nashville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Nashville, TN 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.
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 percentage of Nashville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Nashville handle piano moves, and 23% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.