Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to Bakersfieldtoggle

The cost of Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Bakersfield can be as low as $1,530 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,167.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, 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 $742 to $2,038. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Bakersfield

Tacoma Bakersfield
Average rent cost $1,650 $1,695
Average home value $477,289 $389,732
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $73,827
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $6,940
Unemployment rate 7.3% 5.9%
Sales tax 10.3% 8.25%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Bakersfield are 3% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Home prices in Bakersfield are 18.3% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Income is the same in Bakersfield and Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Bakersfield is 39.7% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a family in Bakersfield is 4.4% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Bakersfield is 19.18% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Sales taxes in Bakersfield are 19.90% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Bakersfield are 13.30% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,809.58 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Bakersfield

Bakersfield Tacoma
Population 909,235 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 37 54
Bike friendliness score 44 48
Crime Index 58.49 55.55
Safety Index 41.51 44.45
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Bakersfield's population is about 306% greater than Tacoma.
  • Bakersfield's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Tacoma's lower score of 6.
  • Bakersfield is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 37 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • Bakersfield has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Bakersfield's crime rate is higher than Tacoma with a score of 58.49 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Bakersfield neighborhoods are safer than 58.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Bakersfield is considered to be less safe than Tacoma with a score of 41.51 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Bakersfield is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma 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 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. 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 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Bakersfield

Now that you've decided to make the move to "California's Country Music Capital", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Bakersfield.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Bakersfieldtoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Bakersfield has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™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 cityโ€™s The Park at River Walk and Peacocks at Hart Park โ€” among other sites โ€” 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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 999-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Bakersfield, CA, takes two to seven days. Some Tacoma 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

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Popular Washington routes

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