($1,593+) Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Norfolk, VA, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,593 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,186 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,730 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,437, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,186 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,965 - $7,108, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,593 - $4,209.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Norfolk, VA, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,807 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 Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Norfolk to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,807 - $7,736 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 34% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 56% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,730 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,730-mile route from Norfolk to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,437 - $5,418 | $1,965 - $3,598 | $1,593 - $2,822 | $1,751 - $3,238 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,807 - $7,736 | $2,523 - $5,059 | $1,692 - $3,534 | $2,038 - $4,213 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,747 - $11,186 | $3,241 - $7,108 | $2,056 - $4,209 | $2,838 - $5,574 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,730-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Bakersfield, California, with costs ranging from $2,437 - $11,186. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $284 - $1,892. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Norfolk and Bakersfield. Local movers in Norfolk typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $89/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Norfolk to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,437 - $5,418
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,807 - $7,736
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,747 - $11,186
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 Norfolk to Bakersfield.
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 Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Norfolk 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 packing68% of local movers | $473 - $4,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% 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 coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% 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 items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $946 - $2,365 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $757 - $3,311 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $284 - $1,419 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $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 Norfolk to Bakersfield?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Norfolk, VA, 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 Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Norfolk, Virginia, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,965 and $7,108. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Norfolk typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Norfolk to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,965 - $3,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,523 - $5,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,241 - $7,108
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $142 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $662 in Norfolk, VA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Bakersfield, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $1,965. 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 $2,523 - $5,059.
What are the best moving containers Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA
A rental truck for this 2,730-mile move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,593 and $4,209. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $822 - $939
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,593 - $2,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,692 - $3,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,056 - $4,209
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,593 - $4,209 does not include fuel ($822 - $939), lodging ($142/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Norfolk to Bakersfield typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $142 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 Norfolk, Virginia, usually costs about $662 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,730-mile drive falls between $822 and $939, 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 $47 and $284 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Norfolk 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 Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Norfolk, Virginia, 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 $2,038 and $4,213.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Norfolk to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,751 - $3,238
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $4,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,838 - $5,574
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Norfolk, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $662.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $71 and $142 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Norfolk to Bakersfield?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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: Norfolk, VA vs Bakersfield, CA
Good news for your budget: Bakersfield isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Norfolk. Cost of living index runs 100 there against 91 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 46/100 and 41.9/100 here versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Norfolk, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 262 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 2,730-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,730-mile route from Norfolk, VA, to Bakersfield, CA, run $2,437 - $11,186 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,965 - $7,108, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,593 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,807, 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 Norfolk, VA, to Bakersfield, CA
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 41.9 and 58.1 in Norfolk. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Norfolk, VA 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 long does a move from Norfolk, VA to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($822 - $939), 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.
What percentage of Norfolk movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Norfolk handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.