Things to know before moving from Oregon to Bakersfield, CA

Cost of living: Oregon vs Bakersfield, CA

Oregon Bakersfield
Average rent cost $1,373 $1,695
Average home value $492,683 $389,732
Average income (per capita) $76,632 $73,827
Unemployment rate 4% 6%
State income tax 10% 13%
  • Rent is about 23% more expensive in Bakersfield than in Oregon.
  • Home prices are about 21% lower in Bakersfield than in Oregon.
  • The average income is about 4% lower in Bakersfield than in Oregon.
  • Bakersfield has a higher unemployment rate than Oregon by about 48%.
  • Income taxes are 34% higher in Bakersfield than in Oregon.

How life is different in Bakersfield from Oregon

Bakersfield Oregon
Population 909,235 4,233,358
Political leaning Republican 51-46 Democratic 56-44
Summer high 97ºF 82ºF
Winter low 38ºF 31ºF
Annual rain 7" 41"
Annual snow 0" 13"
Crime index 58.49 32.78
  • The population of Bakersfield is approximately 79% lower than the population of Oregon.
  • In the last presidential election, Bakersfield voted Republican and Oregon voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Bakersfield is 97ºF and in Oregon, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Bakersfield reaches the temperature of 38ºF and Oregon gets down to 31ºF.
  • You can expect about 7 inches of annual rainfall in Bakersfield vs 41 inches of rainfall in Oregon.
  • In Bakersfield, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 13 inches of snow in Oregon.
  • Bakersfield has a higher crime rate than Oregon with a crime index of 58.49 vs 32.78.

Things to do in Bakersfield

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Bakersfield.

Museums in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
  • Kern County Museum
  • Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
  • Bakersfield Museum of Art

Parks in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • The Park at River Walk
  • Peacocks at Hart Park

Sports Teams in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Universities in Bakersfieldtoggle

  • California State University, Bakersfield
  • Bakersfield College

Other considerations when moving to Bakersfield, CA

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Oregon to Bakersfield take?

The time frame for a move from Oregon to Bakersfield, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Oregon, the longer the drive time to Bakersfield will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Bakersfield from Oregon can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Oregon to Bakersfield?

Because of the 754-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Oregon to Bakersfield as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Bakersfield, CA?

With the summer highs of 97ºF and the winter lows of 38ºF, most people move to Bakersfield from Oregon during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Bakersfield during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources