McAllen, TX to Bakersfield, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from McAllen to Bakersfield typically costs $3,600–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,702 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from McAllen to Bakersfield
Moving from McAllen, TX to Bakersfield, CA typically costs $3,600–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,702-mile move from McAllen 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,649 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $6,571 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,696 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 14, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from McAllen to Bakersfield
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from McAllen to Bakersfield may only cost $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in McAllen.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,100–$3,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Bakersfield, CA to McAllen, TX guide.
Best McAllen to Bakersfield movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from McAllen to Bakersfield
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from McAllen to Bakersfield. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 TX→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 291 Texas moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Bakersfield
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Bakersfield runs about 71% higher for singles and 95% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Bakersfield versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $6,940 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,850 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $2,450 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $389,732 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $73,827 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $6,940 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 26% more expensive in Bakersfield than in McAllen. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 76% steeper in Bakersfield compared to McAllen.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 29% greater in Bakersfield than in McAllen, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Bakersfield, with the cost of living for a single person being 71% more than in McAllen. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Bakersfield, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 95% higher than in McAllen.
- Bakersfield has a lower unemployment rate than McAllen by about 25%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Bakersfield and McAllen (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas 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 the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in McAllen versus Bakersfield:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $340.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $2.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $3.81 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $67.50 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $36.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Bakersfield, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Bakersfield.
- Eggs cost more in McAllen than in Bakersfield.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Bakersfield.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Bakersfield.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Bakersfield.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Bakersfield.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Bakersfield
| McAllen | Bakersfield | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 909,235 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 37 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 44 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 58.49 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 41.51 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Bakersfield's population is about 539% greater than McAllen.
- Bakersfield's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than McAllen's score of 3.
- Bakersfield is less walkable than McAllen with a score of 37 out of 100 vs McAllen's 41 out of 100.
- Both Bakersfield and McAllen have similar bike-friendliness scores (46 vs 44), meaning Bakersfield is about as safe for cyclists as McAllen. 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 McAllen with a score of 58.49 compared to McAllen's 36.26. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 41.51 vs McAllen's 63.74.
- Air quality in Bakersfield is Good, and in McAllen it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Bakersfield move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Bakersfield. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Bakersfield. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Bakersfield is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Bakersfield?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from McAllen to Bakersfield. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Bakersfield?
Want to save on your move from McAllen to Bakersfield? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from McAllen to Bakersfield take?
The 1,702-mile move from McAllen, TX, to Bakersfield, CA, takes four to 15 days. Some McAllen movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Bakersfield.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in McAllen?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in McAllen provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
