Factors influencing moving costs from Reno to Bakersfieldtoggle

The cost of Reno 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 Reno to Bakersfield can be as low as $1,318 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,984.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Reno, 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 $422 to $1,066. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Reno to Bakersfield

Moving from Reno to Bakersfield comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Bakersfield is generally more expensive than Reno, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Reno Bakersfield
Average rent cost $1,700 $1,695
Average home value $523,662 $389,732
Average income (per capita) $66,486 $73,827
Cost of living (single person) $2,122 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,887 $6,940
Unemployment rate 4.6% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.27% 8.25%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices are the same in Bakersfield and Reno.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Bakersfield.
    Home prices in Bakersfield are 25.6% lower than in Reno.
  • Income in Bakersfield is 11.0% higher than in Reno, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Bakersfield include Bakersfield City School District, Clinica Sierra Vista, and Kern High School District.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bakersfield, since the cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 17.5% higher than in Reno. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Bakersfield, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 42.0% higher than in Reno.
  • The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 28.26% higher than in Reno.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Bakersfield and Reno.
  • State income taxes in Bakersfield are 13.30% higher than in Reno.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,524.51 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Reno.

How life is different in Reno vs. Bakersfield

Bakersfield Reno
Population 909,235 264,165
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 4
Walkability score 37 40
Bike friendliness score 44 52
Crime Index 58.49 46.26
Safety Index 41.51 53.74
Air Quality Good Good
  • Bakersfield's population is about 244% greater than Reno.
  • Bakersfield's public transportation has a similar score to Reno.
  • Bakersfield and Reno are similarily walkable.
  • Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Reno, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Reno with a score of 58.49 compared to Reno's 46.26. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Reno neighborhoods are safer than 46.26%.
  • Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Reno with a score of 41.51 vs Reno's 53.74.
  • Air quality in Bakersfield is good, and in Reno it's good.

Other things to consider for your Reno 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toBakersfield Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Bakersfield

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "California's Country Music Capital" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Bakersfield
  • The Oaks
  • Westchester
  • Laurelglen
  • Belsera

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Seven Oaks
  • Northwest Bakersfield
  • Southwest Bakersfield
  • Olde Stockdale
  • Haggin Oaks

Things to do in Bakersfield

Now that you've made the move to California, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Bakersfield. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Bakersfield, such as the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Bakersfield Condors (AHL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Reno 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 Reno to Bakersfield take?

The 405-mile move from Reno, NV, to Bakersfield, CA, takes one to four days. Some Reno 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