($1,237) Moving from Chicago to Bakersfield

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Bakersfield costs $1,188 to $6,819 and takes six-seventeen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,030-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Bakersfield to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Bakersfield moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Bakersfield is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Bakersfield.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Bakersfield?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,237 - $4,453 $1,164 - $2,941 $1,167 - $2,319
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,176 - $6,819 $2,094 - $4,311 $1,188 - $2,760
4+ bedrooms $6,255 - $9,998 $2,841 - $5,533 $1,642 - $3,348
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,030 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Bakersfield

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Bakersfield can be as low as $1,237 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,151.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,167 to $2,937. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Bakersfield?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost between $1,237 to $4,453. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,176 to $6,819, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost from $6,255 to $9,998.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Bakersfield?

Moving containers from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost you $1,164 to $2,941 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,094 to $4,311. A larger home will cost $2,841 to $5,533.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Bakersfield?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,167 to $2,319. A larger move will cost $1,188 to $2,760, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Bakersfield costs from $1,642 to $3,348. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Bakersfield

Cost of living: Chicago vs Bakersfield

Chicago Bakersfield
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,750
Average home value $306,098 $375,751
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $69,014
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $0
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $0
Unemployment rate 9.0% 8.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.25%
State Income Tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Bakersfield are 10% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Bakersfield are 22.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Bakersfield is 5.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 100.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 100.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 11.11% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Bakersfield are 19.51% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Bakersfield are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $0.00 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Bakersfield?

Bakersfield Chicago
Population 403,455 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 37 77
Bike friendliness score 44 72
Crime Index 44.33 35.19
Safety Index 42.86 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Bakersfield's population is about 85% less than Chicago.
  • Bakersfield's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Bakersfield is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Bakersfield is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 44 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 44.33 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 44.33% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Bakersfield is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 42.86 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Bakersfield is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Bakersfield

  • Weather: Bakersfield has very hot, dry summers, and winters that consist of mild days with chilly/cold nights. Check your weather app before your move to avoid extreme heat.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Bakersfield

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • California Area Living Museum (CALM)
  • Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
  • Kern County Museum
  • Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
  • The Park at River Walk
  • Fox Theater
  • Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
  • Peacocks at Hart Park
  • Kern County Raceway Park
  • Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
  • Kern River Parkway Trail
  • Bakersfield Museum of Art
  • The Great Central Valley
  • The Gaslight Theatre & Music Hall

Get your sports on!

Bakersfield is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Bakersfield?

The best time to move from Chicago to Bakersfield is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Bakersfield?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Bakersfield in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Bakersfield take?

The 2,030-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Bakersfield, CA, takes six-seventeen days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Bakersfield.

Helpful moving resources