Best Bakersfield to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Interstate MoversChevron RightCaliforniaChevron RightBakersfield to San Diego

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Bakersfield to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 232 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 93 Bakersfield to San Diego moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Little Guy Big Truck Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Bakersfield compared to San Diego. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Bakersfield to San Diego Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Bakersfield to San Diego Moving Companies

Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Bakersfield to San Diego?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 232 miles from Bakersfield, CA to San Diego, CA will cost on average $1,979 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Bakersfield to San Diego move is roughly $4,726. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,334300 ft³$4.45
1 Bedroom$1,979450 ft³$4.40
2 Bedrooms$3,260750 ft³$4.35
3 Bedrooms$4,7261100 ft³$4.30
4 Bedrooms$6,7951600 ft³$4.25
5+ Bedrooms$7,5541800 ft³$4.20
*Please note: These California to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to CA mover.
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Bakersfield guide.

Compare the 5 Best Bakersfield to San Diego Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Little Guy Big Truck Moving Logo

Little Guy Big Truck Moving

Exceptional9.70/10
based on 1,698+ data points

National City, CA

About Little Guy Big Truck Moving

Little Guy Big Truck Moving is a BBB-accredited, family-owned and operated business offering local and long-distance moving services at an affordable...

Services

  • Affordable fast friendly movers
  • Local and long distance moving
  • Fully licensed and insured
View Full Review
1
1st Choice Movers Logo

1st Choice Movers

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 5,019+ data points

8250 Miramar Mall

San Diego, CA, 92121

About 1st Choice Movers

With hundreds of satisfied customers, 1st Choice Movers is true to its name as a preferred local choice for moving and...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2776935 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Fit Movers LLC Logo

Fit Movers LLC

Exceptional9.22/10
based on 1,193+ data points

2005 Eye St

Bakersfield, CA, 93301

About Fit Movers LLC

Fit Movers LLC is a professional moving company that provides first-rate service at an unbeatable value. This family-owned and operated business...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Loading and Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3455958 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Smooth Move USA - Bakersfield CA Movers Logo

Smooth Move USA - Bakersfield CA Movers

Fabulous8.63/10
based on 1,526+ data points

3101 Gilmore Ave

Bakersfield, CA, 93308

About Smooth Move USA - Bakersfield CA Movers

Smooth Move USA has been in business for over 13 years and has built an outstanding reputation among the residents of...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Commercial Moves
View Full Review
4
Excel Relocation Systems Logo

Excel Relocation Systems

Very Good8.19/10
based on 584+ data points

3101 Gilmore Ave

Bakersfield, CA, 93308

About Excel Relocation Systems

Excel Relocation Systems is a Bakersfield commercial moving company that partners with Smooth Move USA. Excel Relocation Systems specializes in business...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2911596 / 981013

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved262,226 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a complex transition, especially when it involves getting acquainted with the nuances of a new city. To ease this process, we've created a comparison aimed at helping you familiarize yourself with San Diego by leveraging what you know about Bakersfield. This comparison of local neighborhoods between Bakersfield, CA & San Diego, CA serves as a personalized guide to finding a new community that feels like home.

BakersfieldSan DiegoHow They're Similar
Seven OaksCarmel ValleyFamily-friendly, highly rated schools
TehachapiPowayRural feel, community-oriented
Oleander - SunsetNorth ParkVibrant nightlife, historic homes
RosedaleScripps RanchSuburban comfort, close to nature
Stockdale EstatesLa JollaUpscale, oceanfront views
WestchesterPoint LomaHistoric, excellent bay views
LaurelglenSouth ParkQuaint, artsy, with community vibe
Haggin OaksDel Mar HeightsFamily-friendly, upscale
Panama - Buena VistaEncinitasSurfer's paradise, organic lifestyle
The OaksRancho BernardoMaster-planned, golf courses

For those valuing the family-oriented and upscale atmosphere of Seven Oaks, Carmel Valley in San Diego offers an inviting parallel with its similarly excellent educational institutions and residential charm. If the vibrant nightlife and historic homes of Oleander - Sunset have been to your liking, North Park in San Diego will enchant you with its lively streets, dotted with unique bars, shops, and restaurants like Belching Beaver Brewery. Suburban comfort seekers transitioning from Rosedale will find Scripps Ranch welcoming, where Miramar Lake offers outdoor activities like fishing and jogging. Meanwhile, lovers of ocean vistas in Stockdale Estates will be captivated by La Jolla’s breathtaking coastal views and the renowned Birch Aquarium. Each San Diego neighborhood provides its own unique blend of lifestyle and amenities, ensuring Bakersfield residents can find a new place to call home without sacrificing the comforts they’ve grown accustomed to.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in San Diego

  • Visit the San Diego Zoo
  • Tour the USS Midway Museum
  • Explore Balboa Park
  • Relax at Coronado Beach
  • Dine in Little Italy
  • Experience SeaWorld San Diego
  • Play golf at Torrey Pines

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Bakersfield to San Diego

Considering a move from Bakersfield, CA to San Diego, CA involves evaluating both the challenges and benefits of such a relocation. This comparative analysis is designed to showcase moving from Bakersfield to San Diego , giving you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this decision. Understanding both sides can help in making a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Higher temperatures
  • Fewer cultural attractions
  • Lesser dining variety
  • Limited outdoor activities
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • More moderate climate
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Broad culinary options
  • Vast outdoor recreation
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • More traffic congestion
  • Larger population
  • Longer commutes
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Smaller community feel
  • Quick accessibility

In your move from Bakersfield to San Diego, you'll transition from a setting with higher temperatures and fewer cultural activities to a climate that's markedly more temperate and a city bustling with cultural vibrancy. San Diego greets you with its world-renowned San Diego Zoo, vast beachfronts such as La Jolla Shores, and the historic Balboa Park, offering endless outdoor and leisure activities. The culinary scene is also a significant upgrade, with diverse dining options from the waterfront restaurants in Seaport Village to the trendy eateries in neighborhoods like North Park. However, this move also means adjusting to higher living costs and more crowded urban scenes. Nevertheless, the enriching lifestyle and scenic beauty of San Diego present a compelling case for those contemplating this move.

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Bakersfield & San Diego aims to enlighten you on the food scene of your new home. Food is a quintessential part of local culture and can greatly influence your living experience in an area.

Bakersfield
San Diego
Most iconic local food item
Tri-tip
California Burrito
Most popular meat dish
BBQ Ribs
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Fish Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Acai Bowl
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Wool Growers
  • Dewar's Candy Shop
  • Lengthwise Brewing Company
  • Hodad's
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Cafe 21
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the food scene reflects the city's passion for fresh, diverse, and innovative cuisines. The iconic California Burrito, found in neighborhood favorites like Lolita's Taco Shop, marries traditional Mexican flavors with San Diego's love for fries. Fish tacos, a city staple, exemplify San Diego's coastal influence and can be enjoyed at waterfront eateries or bustling food trucks around Ocean Beach. The city's health-conscious lifestyle is evident in its plethora of vegan options, with restaurants like Kindred offering creative plant-based dishes. San Diego's vibrant foodie scene invites you to explore everything from high-end dining establishments to laid-back surf shacks, making it an exciting culinary adventure for newcomers.

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison

Finding your culinary comfort in a new city can be an adventure, but also a challenge. This guide aims to make your move from Bakersfield, CA to San Diego, CA a simpler taste transition. Whether you're craving high-end dining or a casual bite, we've mapped out how to find your new favorite spots by comparing the gems of your current city to those awaiting you.

BakersfieldSan DiegoWhat You'll Love
24th Street CafeCafe 21 GaslampCozy atmosphere with a similar comfort food menu
Luigi's Restaurant & DelicatessenBigaItalian favorites with a San Diego twist
Wool Growers RestaurantCafe SevillaAuthentic Spanish cuisine, echoes the Basque specialties of Wool Growers
Pyrenees CafeVin De SyrahWine and tapas bar that captures the essence of European cuisine
Moo CreameryHammond’s Gourmet Ice CreamPremium quality, variety of flavors
Lengthwise Brewing CompanyBallast Point Brewing CompanyCraft beer enthusiasts will find a similar haven
Uricchio's TrattoriaBencotto Italian KitchenHandmade pasta dishes that rival Uricchio's cozy Italian charm
Hodel's Country DiningHash House A Go GoA twist on traditional American comfort food
Valentien RestaurantJuniper & IvyHigh-end dining with innovative dishes
Dewar's Candy ShopSugar FactoryFor a sweet treat that's as much about the experience as it is about the flavor

When it comes to culinary adventures, San Diego offers a diverse and vibrant scene that echoes the beloved flavors of Bakersfield. For instance, fans of Luigi's Restaurant & Delicatessen will find themselves at home with Biga's Italian offerings, blending familiar tastes with a coastal twist. Meanwhile, Wool Growers Restaurant enthusiasts will appreciate Cafe Sevilla's dedication to authentic Spanish cuisine, providing a seamless transition to San Diego's dining landscape. And for those missing the handcrafted brews of Lengthwise Brewing Company, Ballast Point Brewing Company steps up as a worthy counterpart, inviting you to explore the city's celebrated craft beer scene.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor when considering a move. Understanding how Bakersfield and San Diego compare in terms of housing costs, styles, and livability will help you make an informed decision. This comparison highlights the differences in real estate trends, prices, and lifestyles to anticipate in these cities.

Bakersfield
San Diego
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch
Spanish Revival
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, family-friendly
Proximity to the beach, vibrant neighborhoods

When comparing Bakersfield to San Diego, you'll find significant differences in the cost of living, specifically in real estate prices. San Diego's median home price and rent are significantly higher, reflecting its coastal premium and denser urban environment. The architectural styles also vary greatly, with Bakersfield homes typically embodying ranch-style designs, while San Diego offers charming Spanish Revival structures. San Diego scores higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, offering a more vibrant, active, and convenient city life, with many homes boasting proximity to the beach and lively neighborhoods.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA

1. Ocean Beach : You'll love the dog-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated dog beach where your furry friend can splash and play off-leash.

2. North Park : This hip neighborhood offers many pet-welcoming cafes and parks, making it easy for you to enjoy outings with your pets.

3. Hillcrest : Known for its inclusive culture, you'll find numerous pet-friendly restaurants and bars, along with a welcoming community for your pets.

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Weather Considerations

If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather will compare between Bakersfield and San Diego. This insight will help you adjust to your new environment more comfortably, ensuring you're well-prepared for any significant changes in climate and weather conditions.

Bakersfield
San Diego
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Wildfires, Earthquakes
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

98°F / 68°F
77°F / 67°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

55°F / 39°F
66°F / 50°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

6.5"
10.34"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0"
0"


While both Bakersfield and San Diego enjoy ample sunshine, moving from Bakersfield to San Diego will bring you cooler summer temperatures, more humidity, and increased annual rainfall. The gentler summers in San Diego, with highs usually in the upper 70s, offer a stark contrast to Bakersfield's peak summer temperatures, which can hit the high 90s. You'll find San Diego's air quality to be generally better, thanks to its coastal breezes that help clear the air. Also, a key point for consideration is the humidity level, almost 23% higher in San Diego, which could affect your daily comfort and might require an adjustment period.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Bakersfield to San Diego

When planning a move, understanding the financial implications is crucial. It helps to know the cost of living and how it compares with your current situation. This comparison between Bakersfield and San Diego focuses on key financial aspects to consider. By comparing these factors, you'll be better prepared for the economic environment you're about to enter.

Bakersfield
San Diego
Avg. Household Income
$66,666
$93,042
Cost of Living Index
103.4
132.3
State Income Tax
9.3
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.81
0.76
Avg. Sales Tax
8.25
7.75
Top 3 Industries
Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Manufacturing
Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Significant
Moderate
Homelessness
Notable
Significant

Moving from Bakersfield to San Diego will present you with significant financial adjustments. The cost of living index in San Diego is significantly higher, reflecting the city's higher overall expenses in aspects like housing, utilities, and transportation services. While both cities share the same state income tax rate, the difference in sales and property taxes, albeit slight, may also impact your budgeting. San Diego's economy, supported by defense/military, tourism, and international trade, offers a diverse job market compared to Bakersfield's focus on oil & gas, agriculture, and manufacturing. Understanding these differences is essential for financially preparing for your move and adjusting to life in a new city.

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Bakersfield to San Diego, it's insightful to look at the comparison of the politics between Bakersfield & San Diego for a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of both cities' political and religious landscapes. Such an understanding can significantly influence your sense of belonging and community engagement once you relocate.

Bakersfield
San Diego
Political Make-up
More conservative
More liberal
Local Politics
Republican-leaning leadership
Democrat-leaning leadership
Religion
Higher concentration of evangelical Protestants
Diverse religious views, with a significant Catholic presence

While Bakersfield tends to lean more conservative with a stronghold of evangelical Protestant presence, San Diego offers a stark contrast with its liberal atmosphere and diverse religious outlook, including a strong Catholic community. This difference in political and religious makeup can influence local policies, social scenes, and communal attitudes you'll encounter. Moreover, the political leadership in each city often reflects its residents' values, affecting local initiatives and resources available. Embracing these distinctions will be key in making your relocation smoother and more enjoyable.

Bakersfield vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When deciding to move, understanding the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Bakersfield & San Diego is crucial. This will give you a clearer picture of what daily commutes might look like and how easily you can navigate around these cities.

Bakersfield
San Diego
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
26
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Difficult
Manageable

When moving from Bakersfield to San Diego, you'll notice a shift in daily commute times and availability of public transportation. San Diego boasts a more developed transit system, making it easier to get around without a personal vehicle, especially with services like the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. Despite the increased traffic congestion in San Diego, the city's robust public transit options provide a viable alternative to driving. On the other hand, in Bakersfield, relying on a car is more of a necessity due to its less extensive public transport network.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Bakersfield to San Diego Movers Featured Image