($512+) Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $512 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,201 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 704 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,631, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,201 or more.
- Moving containers run $971 - $3,506, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $512 - $1,342.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,277 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Salt Lake City to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,277 - $5,692 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 40% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 704 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 704-mile route from Salt Lake City to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,631 - $4,254 | $971 - $1,818 | $512 - $981 | $957 - $1,669 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,277 - $5,692 | $1,365 - $2,596 | $536 - $1,142 | $1,081 - $1,974 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,724 - $8,201 | $1,669 - $3,506 | $685 - $1,342 | $1,392 - $2,804 |
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 Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA
For the 704-mile move from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bakersfield, California, full-service movers cost between $1,631 and $8,201. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $338 - $2,252 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Salt Lake City generally start around $340 plus $137 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Salt Lake City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,631 - $4,254
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,277 - $5,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,724 - $8,201
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 Salt Lake City to Bakersfield.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 47% of Salt Lake City 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 packing71% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready47% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $225 - $1,351/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $338 - $2,702 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,126 - $3,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,815 - $11,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $843 - $1,602 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $732 - $2,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $338 - $16,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $338 - $3,941+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Salt Lake City 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Salt Lake City, UT, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $971 and $3,506. 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 Salt Lake City adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Salt Lake City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $971 - $1,818
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,365 - $2,596
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,506
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 Salt Lake City, UT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $788, 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 $84 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $169 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Salt Lake City, UT, 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 Utah 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 $971. 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 $1,365 - $2,596.
What are the best moving containers Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City:
- Moving Connections (4.9/5), 27 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Rocky Mountain Movers (4.6/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 704-mile move from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $512 and $1,342. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $252 - $288
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Salt Lake City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.29
| 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 Salt Lake City to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $512 - $981
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $536 - $1,142
- 4+ bedrooms: $685 - $1,342
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $512 - $1,342 when pricing out a rental truck from Salt Lake City to Bakersfield. Fuel alone runs $252 - $288, and overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $169 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 Salt Lake City, Utah, usually costs about $788 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 704-mile drive falls between $252 and $288, 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 $56 and $338 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Bakersfield, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,013 and $1,974.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Salt Lake City to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $957 - $1,669
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,081 - $1,974
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,804
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Salt Lake City, Utah, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $788.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $84 - $169 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 Salt Lake City 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Bakersfield, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Bakersfield, side by side with Salt Lake City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 121 | 100 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $495,721 | $345,317 |
| Average income | $74,925/yr | $77,397/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 65.36/100 | 41.51/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Utah 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 106 movers licensed in Utah, useful context for sizing up this 704-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 704-mile route from Salt Lake City, UT, to Bakersfield, CA, run $1,631 - $8,201 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $971 - $3,506, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $512 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,277, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Bakersfield, CA
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 Salt Lake City, UT 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($252 - $288), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $169/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 44, compared to 59 and 74 in Salt Lake City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Salt Lake City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Salt Lake City handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.