($1,170+) Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA Movers
Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Bakersfield, CA, runs anywhere from $1,170 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,477 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,071 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 $2,381, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,477 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,568 - $5,585, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,170 - $3,492.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Bakersfield, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,424 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 Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA
Moving options from Milwaukee to Bakersfield fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,424 - $7,864 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,071-mile route typically takes 6 to 17 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,071-mile route from Milwaukee to Bakersfield, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,381 for a studio up to $11,477 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,568 - $5,585 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,170 - $3,492, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,499 - $4,841, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,071-mile move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bakersfield, California, with prices running from $2,381 - $11,477. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $278 - $1,856 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Milwaukee and Bakersfield are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Milwaukee movers tend to run around $349 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,381 - $5,647
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,424 - $7,864
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,615 - $11,477
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 Milwaukee to Bakersfield.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Milwaukee 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 packing80% of local movers | $464 - $4,640 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $186 - $1,114/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $278 - $2,227 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $928 - $2,784 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,320 - $9,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $695 - $1,321 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brothers Moving & Storage | $928 - $2,320 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $742 - $3,248 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $278 - $1,392 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $603 - $1,856 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $278 - $13,920+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $278 - $3,248+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Milwaukee, WI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA
Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bakersfield, California, cost between $1,568 and $5,585. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Milwaukee costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,568 - $3,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,133 - $4,265
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,010 - $5,585
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $70 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $139 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 $650 in Milwaukee, WI, 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 Wisconsin 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 $1,568. 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 $2,133 - $4,265.
What are the best moving containers Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business
- Brothers Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,071-mile move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bakersfield, California, costs between $1,170 and $3,492, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $612 - $699
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $19
- Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| 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 Milwaukee to Bakersfield based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,170 - $2,235
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,330 - $2,606
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,615 - $3,492
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,170 - $3,492 does not include fuel ($612 - $699), lodging ($139/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Milwaukee 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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $650.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $612 - $699 for the 2,071-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $56 and $302, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $139 per night for hotel stops on the 2,071-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $278 - $418.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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 $835 and $3,516.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Bakersfield:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,499 - $2,904
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,657 - $3,516
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,179 - $4,841
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $70 and $139.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $650.
What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee 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: If speed matters on your move from Milwaukee to Bakersfield, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs Bakersfield, CA
Day-to-day costs in Bakersfield are close to what you're used to in Milwaukee: cost of living index of 100 versus 88, with average rent of $1,695/mo compared to $1,250/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 62/100 and 33.24/100 in Milwaukee versus 37/100 and 41.51/100 in Bakersfield.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Bakersfield, CA to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin 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 107 movers based in Wisconsin, handy for sizing up options on this 2,071-mile route.
Our take
A move from Milwaukee, WI, to Bakersfield, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,381 - $11,477 on the 2,071-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,568 - $5,585, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,170 - $3,492. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,424 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bakersfield City School District and Clinica Sierra Vista.
FAQs: Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Bakersfield, CA
How long does a move from Milwaukee, WI to Bakersfield, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 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 are the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield?
For families, Seven Oaks, Northwest Bakersfield, and Southwest Bakersfield are worth a look in Bakersfield. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Bakersfield, The Oaks, and Westchester tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Milwaukee, WI 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 $1,330 - $2,606. 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 33.24 and 66.76 in Milwaukee. 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 percentage of Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.