Best San Francisco to Bakersfield Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 284 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 96 San Francisco to Bakersfield 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 Sweet Lemon Moving Services), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco compared to Bakersfield. 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.

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Best San Francisco to Bakersfield Moving Companies

Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 284 miles from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost on average $2,023 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Bakersfield move is roughly $4,834. 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$1,363300 ft³$4.54
1 Bedroom$2,023450 ft³$4.49
2 Bedrooms$3,334750 ft³$4.44
3 Bedrooms$4,8341100 ft³$4.39
4 Bedrooms$6,9521600 ft³$4.34
5+ Bedrooms$7,7311800 ft³$4.29
*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.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Bakersfield to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Bakersfield Movers

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

Sweet Lemon Moving Services Logo

Sweet Lemon Moving Services

Exceptional9.77/10
based on 3,489+ data points

403 Elwood Ave

Oakland, CA, 94610

About Sweet Lemon Moving Services

As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Interstate Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3277021 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 2,922+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Pure Moving Company Logo

Pure Moving Company

Exceptional9.65/10
based on 6,753+ data points

401 Terry A Francois Blvd # 110

San Francisco, CA, 94158

About Pure Moving Company

With four locations in two states, Pure Moving Company has been offering professional and full-service moves in San Francisco since 2000....

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
5
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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.

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like navigating uncharted territory. To ease this transition, we're providing a detailed comparison of local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Bakersfield, CA . This guide aims to help you find a neighborhood in Bakersfield that mirrors the vibe, amenities, and community feel of your favorite San Francisco locale.

San FranciscoBakersfieldHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictSeven OaksUpscale, vibrant community
North BeachWestchesterRich historical background
Hayes ValleyOlde StockdaleQuaint with boutique shopping
Mission DistrictLa Cresta/Alta VistaDiverse, cultural hub
SOMA (South of Market)Downtown BakersfieldUrban, artsy feel
Outer SunsetRosedaleLaid-back, family-friendly
Haight-AshburyStockdale EstatesBohemian with green spaces
Nob HillOleander/SunsetHistoric with scenic views
Pacific HeightsHaggin OaksLuxurious homes, well-manicured
Russian HillGrand IslandExclusive, upscale living

Moving from San Francisco's Marina District, known for its lively atmosphere and scenic views, to Seven Oaks in Bakersfield will welcome you to a similar upscale and vibrant community, boasting luxury homes and well-maintained parks. If you're charmed by the rich historical background and the buzzing nightlife of North Beach, Westchester in Bakersfield offers a comparable backdrop with its own story to tell through historic buildings and local eateries like Luigi's Deli. Hayes Valley's boutique shopping and stylish cafes find a match in Olde Stockdale, where quaint streets are lined with unique shopping experiences and friendly neighborhood coffee spots. For the artsy and urban vibe of SOMA, Downtown Bakersfield stands out as the cultural heart of the city, hosting events, lively restaurants like Padre Hotel, and art exhibits, making it a magnet for creativity and community gatherings. These comparisons illustrate how each neighborhood's distinct characteristics create a tapestry of community and culture, making the move from San Francisco to Bakersfield a journey of familiar yet new beginnings.

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Things to Do in Bakersfield

  • Explore Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
  • Attend a concert at Mechanics Bank Arena
  • Enjoy family fun at Camelot Park
  • Sample local wines at Kern County Wine Country
  • Ride bikes along Kern River Parkway Trail
  • Stroll through Kern County Museum
  • Watch a race at Kern County Raceway Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield

Moving can be a significant life change, introducing a mix of both benefits and drawbacks. This comparison aims to honestly reflect the transition from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA , delineating the various pros and cons through contrasting charts. These charts simplify understanding how life shifts moving from a bustling city to a more laid-back community .

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • More Traffic
  • Less Heat
  • Denser Population
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Less Traffic
  • More Heat
  • Less Crowded
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Less Cultural Venues
  • No Coastline
  • More Limited Cuisine
  • Smaller Tech Community
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant Culture
  • Coastal City
  • Diverse Cuisine
  • Robust Tech Scene

When you move from San Francisco to Bakersfield, you're transitioning from a high-cost, vibrant coastal city bustling with diverse cultures and cuisines, to a more affordable, inland city with a laid-back atmosphere. While San Francisco boasts an array of cultural landmarks like the SFMOMA and exquisite eateries such as Zuni Café, Bakersfield offers a quieter life with its own set of perks. For instance, Bakersfield Museum of Art presents local art in a serene setting, and classic dining spots like Wool Growers serve traditional Basque dishes that highlight the city's unique cultural blend. This move invites you to explore new neighborhoods, savor different cuisines, and immerse yourself in a diverse yet less crowded community.

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Bakersfield is crucial for understanding the food culture in these distinct locales. Food significantly shapes local culture and the living experience. By examining these differences and similarities, you'll be better equipped to transition smoothly to your new home.

San Francisco
Bakersfield
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough Bread
Tri-tip
Most popular meat dish
Cioppino
Barbecue Ribs
Most popular street food item
Mission Burrito
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Avocado Toast
Vegetable Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Progress
  • Zuni Café
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Wool Growers
  • Luigi's
  • Noriega Hotel
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)
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Foodie Scene (out of 10)
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Francisco, the food scene is highly vibrant and diverse, with neighborhoods like the Mission District serving as hotspots for culinary innovation, especially its famed Mission Burrito. Meanwhile, Bakersfield brings its A-game with traditional dishes, such as the locally adored Tri-tip barbecue that you can find at places like Wool Growers. Both cities offer a unique take on food culture that reflects their local specialties and community preferences. San Francisco’s restaurants, including Tartine Bakery, are celebrated far and wide for their quality and innovation, while Bakersfield’s offerings are deeply rooted in tradition and local history, offering a more homely but equally enjoyable culinary experience.

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering your go-to spots for a memorable meal. This restaurant comparison chart is specially designed to ease your move from San Francisco to Bakersfield, guiding you to find new favorites that mirror the culinary experience of your beloved San Francisco eateries.

San FranciscoBakersfieldWhat You'll Love
SaisonLuigi's Restaurant & DelicatessenFine dining with a historic atmosphere
Tartine BakerySmith's BakeriesArtisan bakery known for quality and tradition
La TaqueriaTacos La Villa Mexican GrillAuthentic Mexican dishes with a local twist
Slanted DoorPho HutContemporary take on Vietnamese with a cozy environment
Gary DankoValentien Restaurant & Wine BarRefined dining with an emphasis on fresh, local produce
Zuni Café24th Street CafeClassic American diner fare with a Bakersfield touch
NopaUricchio's TrattoriaCozy Italian reminiscent of San Francisco's Italian-Americans
Foreign CinemaThe MarkEclectic bistro dining with an artsy vibe
Bi-Rite CreameryDewar's Candy ShopFamily owned with an old-fashioned feel for sweets and treats
Brenda's French Soul FoodSouthern ComfortHome-style Southern and Soul Food with a Californian twist

When you're reminiscing about the bustling streets and diverse culinary landscape of San Francisco, Bakersfield's dining scene has plenty to offer. For instance, the transition from Saison's refined dining to Luigi's Restaurant & Delicatessen will feel seamless, as both prioritize a fantastic dining experience rooted in tradition and quality. Similarly, the spirited vibes and delicious eats of La Taqueria find a comforting echo in Tacos La Villa Mexican Grill, ensuring that your cravings for authentic Mexican flavors are well catered to. Bakersfield might surprise you with its culinary diversity, where every meal is an opportunity to discover a new favorite that feels like home.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Understanding how housing options compare in both cost and lifestyle between San Francisco and Bakersfield is key to making an informed decision. This comparison will help you weigh your options effectively.

San Francisco
Bakersfield
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian and Modern
Ranch and Contemporary
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Views, luxury amenities
Spacious lots, family-friendly

When looking at the housing market, it's clear that San Francisco and Bakersfield offer vastly different living experiences. For instance, San Francisco's high walkability and bikeability scores reflect its compact, urban layout, where essentials and amenities are often just a short walk away. The typical architecture style, such as Victorian, adds to the city's historic charm. Conversely, Bakersfield’s ranch and contemporary-style homes usually come with more space, reflecting a preference for larger lots and a more subdued urban lifestyle. This makes Bakersfield attractive for those seeking family-friendly neighborhoods or more home for their dollar. Despite these differences, each city caters to unique preferences and lifestyles, making them both worthy of consideration depending on your priorities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA

1. Seven Oaks : You'll love the spacious parks and numerous walking trails perfect for taking your pet on a stroll.

2. Laurelglen : This neighborhood offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of pet-friendly areas and a large community park.

3. Stockdale Estates : You and your pet will enjoy the many open spaces and parks equipped with dog-friendly amenities.

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another requires adjustment, especially when it comes to the weather. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in climate you’ll encounter moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield . Understanding these variances is essential for a smooth transition.

San Francisco
Bakersfield
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Fires
Earthquakes, Fires
Air Quality
Moderate
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

67°F / 53°F
98°F / 70°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

57°F / 46°F
55°F / 39°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

23 inches
6.47 inches
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0 inches
0 inches


When moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield, you'll notice a significant change in weather. Bakersfield experiences hotter summers with high temperatures reaching the upper 90s, in stark contrast to the milder summer climate of San Francisco. Additionally, Bakersfield enjoys more days of sunshine but has a lower average humidity, which can affect your daily comfort and the way you manage your home environment. Also noteworthy, Bakersfield's air quality may pose challenges for those with respiratory sensitivities. Understanding these adjustments will help you better prepare for your new home environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, understanding how the cost of living and financial climate in San Francisco compares to Bakersfield is crucial. This comparison can help you budget and prepare for the financial aspects of your relocation.

San Francisco
Bakersfield
Avg. Household Income
$121,826
$66,666
Cost of Living Index
164
103.4
State Income Tax
13.3
13.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.6
0.8
Avg. Sales Tax
8.5
7.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Finance, Tourism
Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Manufacturing
Affluence
Very high
Moderate
Poverty
Moderate
High
Homelessness
High
Moderate

Moving from San Francisco to Bakersfield, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living, with Bakersfield being far more affordable. This is reflected in a much lower Cost of Living Index. Despite the state income tax rate being the same across California, the difference in average income, property, and sales taxes between the two cities can impact your finances. Additionally, the dominant industries vary considerably, meaning employment opportunities and economic environments can differ. Understanding these aspects is vital in planning for a financially stable move.

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for your move from San Francisco to Bakersfield, it's useful to understand the communities you're transitioning between. To assist, we provide a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Bakersfield, offering a quick glance at the political and religious landscapes that shape these cities.

San Francisco
Bakersfield
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Conservative/Republican
Local Politics
Progressive policies
Conservative policies
Religion
Multicultural and diverse religious communities
More conservative religious views, stronger evangelical presence

In delving deeper, you'll find that San Francisco's political landscape is known for its progressive stances on various social issues, driven by a predominantly liberal demographic. The city fosters a diverse religious scene, including sites like the Grace Cathedral which highlight its multicultural aspect. Bakersfield, on the other hand, leans conservative, especially in its local politics, reflecting the general preference of its residents. The religious environment mirrors this conservatism, with a notable evangelical presence, making it distinct from the more liberal San Francisco. Understanding these differences can help you better adjust to your new surroundings.

San Francisco vs. Bakersfield Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Embarking on a move from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA requires an understanding of the stark differences in daily commutes and transportation. This guide aims to shed light on the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Bakersfield, providing valuable insights for a smoother transition.

San Francisco
Bakersfield
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34
22
Traffic Congestion
8 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
9 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes
No

San Francisco, renowned for its hilly terrain and iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offers an extensive public transit system that includes buses, subways, and the famous cable cars, making it possible to navigate the city without a car. The higher traffic congestion reflects its denser population and tourist activity. On the other hand, Bakersfield, with its more sprawling layout and lower population density, sees less traffic congestion but relies more heavily on personal vehicles for transportation due to its limited public transit options. Transitioning between these cities means adjusting from a place where you can easily forgo a car to one where having a car becomes almost a necessity for daily activities.

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