($1,204) Movers From Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Bakersfield costs $1,157–$6,504 and takes six to 17 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 2,031-mile move yourself.

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

The best Chicago to Bakersfield full-service moving companies

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Chicago to go to Bakersfield can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

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

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost between $1,204 to $4,337. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,030 to $6,504, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost from $5,619 to $9,941.

The best moving containers for your Chicago to Bakersfield move

Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Chicago to Bakersfield. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.

We recommend these moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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best for large moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Check prices (352) 322-2920

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Bakersfield?toggle

Moving containers from Chicago to Bakersfield will cost you $1,089 to $2,642 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,900 to $3,870. A larger home will cost $2,820 to $5,388.

The best moving truck rentals for your Chicago to Bakersfield move

If you want to save even more money on your Chicago to Bakersfield move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.

These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
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Check prices (800) 468-4285
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Bakersfield?toggle

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 $1,136 to $2,256. A larger move will cost $1,157 to $2,558, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Bakersfield costs from $1,537 to $3,070. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best labor-only movers for your Chicago to Bakersfield move

If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.

Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Chicago to Bakersfield:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
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(866) 774-5063

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 $1,204 - $4,337 $1,089 - $2,642 $1,136 - $2,256
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,030 - $6,504 $1,900 - $3,870 $1,157 - $2,558
4+ bedrooms $5,619 - $9,941 $2,820 - $5,388 $1,537 - $3,070
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,031 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 Bakersfieldtoggle

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 $1,204 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,113.
  • 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 $1,136 to $2,746. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Bakersfield

Chicago Bakersfield
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,695
Average home value $295,743 $389,732
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $73,827
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $0
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $0
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.9%
Sales tax 10.25% 8.25%
State income tax 4.95% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Bakersfield are 17% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Bakersfield are 31.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Bakersfield is 3.2% 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 34.44% 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 in 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 life is different in Chicago vs. Bakersfield

Bakersfield Chicago
Population 909,235 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 37 77
Bike friendliness score 44 72
Crime Index 58.49 35.19
Safety Index 41.51 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Bakersfield's population is about 67% 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 58.49 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% 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 41.51 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Bakersfield is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Bakersfield move

  • 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.

Things to do in Bakersfieldtoggle

After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Bakersfield has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.

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 2,031-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Bakersfield, CA, takes six to 17 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