Best Raleigh to Bakersfield Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Raleigh to Bakersfield and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,579 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 Raleigh to Bakersfield moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Raleigh 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.

Best Raleigh to Bakersfield Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Raleigh to Bakersfield Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
4Excel Relocation Systems8.188.5Authorized For HHGContact
5Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.8.128.45Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Raleigh to Bakersfield

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,579 miles from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA will cost on average $3,974 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Raleigh to Bakersfield move is roughly $9,605. 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$2,665300 ft³8.88
1 Bedroom$3,974450 ft³8.83
2 Bedrooms$6,586750 ft³8.78
3 Bedrooms$9,6051100 ft³8.73
4 Bedrooms$13,8911600 ft³8.68
5+ Bedrooms$15,5381800 ft³8.63
*Please note: These North Carolina to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & 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 NC to CA mover.
North Carolina iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

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

Compare the 5 Best Raleigh to Bakersfield Movers

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

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Excel Relocation Systems Logo

Excel Relocation Systems

Very Good8.18/10
based on 660+ 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
4
Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc. Logo

Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.

Very Good8.12/10
based on 1,379+ data points

3501 N Sillect Ave A

Bakersfield, CA, 93308

About Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.

Hansen's Moving & Storage is one of the largest moving and storage companies in Kern County and has been serving the...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2728836 / 88698

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2023)
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.

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the right neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've drawn parallels between popular Raleigh, NC & Bakersfield, CA local neighborhoods , helping you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using your current city as a baseline.

RaleighBakersfieldHow They're Similar
Five PointsWestchesterHistoric charm, vibrant local scene
North HillsSeven OaksAffluent, family-friendly community
Boylan HeightsLa Cresta/Alta VistaHistoric homes, close-knit community
Warehouse DistrictDowntown BakersfieldArts and entertainment hub
OakwoodStockdale EstatesStately homes, mature landscaping
Cameron VillageMarketplaceShopping and dining convenience
Glenwood SouthEastchesterNightlife, dining, and diversity
Hayes BartonBrimhallResidential, spacious lots, and tranquility
MorsonOleander SunsetHistorical significance, community feel
StonehengeRosedaleFamily-oriented, parks, and amenities

If you're drawn to the historic neighborhoods of Raleigh like Boylan Heights with its well-preserved homes and community-driven atmosphere, you'll find a comparable vibe in Bakersfield's La Cresta/Alta Vista. This neighborhood boasts timeless homes and a close-knit feel, reminiscent of Raleigh’s charm. For those who appreciate the artistic and vibrant energy of the Warehouse District, Downtown Bakersfield offers an engaging arts scene with venues like the Fox Theater and a variety of galleries and cafes, ensuring the cultural beat thrives in your new city. Meanwhile, North Hills residents who relish upscale shopping and dining will find Seven Oaks in Bakersfield a seamless transition, with its affluent community and family-friendly atmosphere, offering a blend of convenience and high-quality living.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to Bakersfield

Making the move from Raleigh, NC to Bakersfield, CA is a significant life decision that deserves careful consideration. To aid you in weighing up this choice, this guide offers two comparison charts. Through these charts, we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Raleigh to Bakersfield , directly contrasting the Cons of Raleigh with the Pros of Bakersfield , and vice versa. These insights should help paint a clearer picture of what to expect from your potential new home.

CONs
PROs
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Fewer outdoor concerts
  • Smaller tech scene
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lower humidity
  • More diverse cuisine
  • More outdoor concerts
  • Larger tech scene
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Less greenery
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Higher cost of living
  • Weaker job market
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lush green spaces
  • Rich historical sites
  • Lower cost of living
  • Stronger job market

When comparing the move from Raleigh to Bakersfield, several factors stand out. Raleigh's lush green spaces, such as the Pullen Park and the Historic Yates Mill County Park, offer serene environments that might be harder to find in Bakersfield's drier climate. However, Bakersfield compensates with unique offerings like the Kern County Museum and the vibrant music scene at venues like Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, showcasing a richer cultural tapestry. Bakersfield also boasts a burgeoning tech scene, attracting professionals and enthusiasts alike. The cuisine in Bakersfield, influenced by its diverse population, offers a wider array of options compared to Raleigh, with local favorites such as Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen, signaling a treat for foodies. While Raleigh has a strong job market, especially in research and academia due to its proximity to the Research Triangle Park, Bakersfield's economy is growing rapidly, offering new opportunities particularly in the energy and agricultural sectors.

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & Bakersfield, showcasing how food is a fundamental part of local culture and daily living. By contrasting the food scenes of your current and future homes, you'll be better prepared for the culinary adventure that awaits.

RaleighBakersfield
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BBQTri-tip
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Mandolin
  • Lengthwise Brewing Company
  • Luigi's
  • 24th Street Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Raleigh to Bakersfield, you'll swap the smoky flavors of North Carolina BBQ for the chargrilled perfection of Tri-tip, a Bakersfield signature. While Raleigh's dining scene thrives with an eclectic mix, including the down-home southern charm of Poole's Diner and innovative Brewery Bhavana, Bakersfield offers a rich blend of local and Mexican cuisines, as seen at Luigi's and Lengthwise Brewing Company. Notably, both cities embrace street food and vegan options, but you'll find Raleigh slightly more abundant in food trucks and vegan-friendly eateries. Dive into Bakersfield's food culture with gusto, starting with a taco tour through the local neighborhoods.

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite restaurant can turn a place from just where you live into your home. This side-by-side comparison of top restaurants in Raleigh to Bakersfield is designed to make your transition smoother, helping you discover equivalent culinary delights in your new city.

RaleighBakersfieldWhat You'll Love
Angus BarnWool GrowersTraditional family-style dining experience
Poole's DinerNoriega'sSimilar retro vibe with comfort food classics
Bida MandaThai HouseAuthentic flavors and intimate atmosphere
Brewery BhavanaTemblor Brewing CompanyCraft beers with a unique twist on eats
GarlandLuigi'sIntriguing fusion and farm-to-table approach
Beasley's Chicken + HoneySmith's BakeriesComfort food with a Southern twist
The PitSalty's BBQ & CateringAuthentic BBQ experience
Crawford and SonUricchio's TrattoriaUpscale dining with a personal touch
Death & TaxesCraft Tap HouseInventive and refined pub fare
Caffe LunaCuban CafeCozy spot for those craving Italian or a similar European vibe

For aficionados of finely prepared meats and the ambiance of an upscale steakhouse, transitioning from Angus Barn in Raleigh to Wool Growers in Bakersfield will bring a sense of familiarity alongside a unique Basque dining experience. Similarly, lovers of Asian cuisine will find solace in Thai House’s authentic flavors, reminiscent of those at Bida Manda. For those who appreciate the revival of craft beer paired with a good meal, Brewery Bhavana’s counterparts can be found in not just the brews but also the culinary innovation at Temblor Brewing Company. This journey from Raleigh to Bakersfield through the language of food ensures that every meal is not just a dining experience but a discovery of your new city's character and charm.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts your relocation experience, making it crucial to understand how Raleigh, NC and Bakersfield, CA compare in terms of housing. This comparison will highlight essential aspects like cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle, offering a clearer picture of what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonRaleighBakersfield
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGranite Countertops, Hardwood FloorsSpacious Backyards, Solar Panels

In comparing the housing characteristics of Raleigh and Bakersfield, a variety of factors come into play. Raleigh's real estate market is slightly more expensive than Bakersfield's, both in terms of buying and renting properties. This price difference is reflective of the distinct architectural styles prevalent in each city, with Raleigh leaning towards Colonial and Craftsman styles, and Bakersfield favoring Ranch and Modern designs. Notably, Bakersfield scores higher in terms of walkability and bikeability, suggesting a slightly more accommodating infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. The predominant features in real estate listings also hint at lifestyle priorities in each city: Raleigh listings frequently highlight interior fixtures like granite countertops and hardwood floors, while Bakersfield listings emphasize outdoor living with spacious backyards and environmentally friendly additions like solar panels.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA

1. Seven Oaks: Known for its spacious parks and walking trails, it's a paradise where your pets can play and socialize freely.

2. Riverlakes: Offers pet-friendly community events and has several dog parks nearby, making it ideal for pet owners.

3. Olive Drive Area: This neighborhood boasts quiet streets and access to the Kern River Parkway, perfect for long walks or runs with your furry friends.

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand the differences in climate you're about to face. Exploring how the weather in Raleigh and Bakersfield compares will prepare you for the environmental change, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

Summer icon
89/68

Raleigh, NC

98/68

Bakersfield, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Raleigh, NC

55/39

Bakersfield, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Raleigh, NC

6.5

Bakersfield, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.5

Raleigh, NC

0

Bakersfield, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRaleighBakersfield
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In comparing Raleigh and Bakersfield, several weather conditions stand out. In Bakersfield, you'll enjoy more days of sunshine and much less annual rainfall, which marks a significant shift from Raleigh's more humid and precipitation-rich climate. However, this comes with the trade-off of higher average summer temperatures and potentially more challenging air quality due to Bakersfield's history of drought and wildfires. For those moving from Raleigh, Bakersfield's mild winters might be a welcome change, though the need for hydration and sun protection increases due to the higher UV index and drier climate.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from Raleigh to Bakersfield, it's crucial to understand the changes in your financial landscape. This comparison will highlight the differences in cost of living, taxes, and economy between Raleigh, NC, and Bakersfield, CA, equipping you with essential information for a smoother transition.

ComparisonRaleighBakersfield
Avg. Household Income$74,612$66,666
Cost of Living Index98.2103.4
State Income Tax5.259.3
Avg. Property Tax0.860.77
Avg. Sales Tax7.257.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, EducationOil & Gas, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerately affluentModerate
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

Moving from Raleigh to Bakersfield, you'll find a lower average household income but also a slightly less expensive cost of living. The difference in state income tax rates is significant, with California's higher rate affecting take-home pay. Despite these differences, the sales tax rates are the same. The prominent industries vary greatly between the two cities, potentially impacting job opportunities in your field. Understanding these economic factors is vital for anyone considering making the move to ensure a smooth financial transition.

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison focuses on the politics between Raleigh & Bakersfield, providing a quick glance at the political and religious make-up of the residents. Understand the nuanced differences in community values as you transition from Raleigh, NC, to Bakersfield, CA.

RaleighBakersfield
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policies in education and environmentConservative views on economy and regulation
ReligionChristian majority, with growing diversity in faithChristian majority, with significant evangelical presence

In Raleigh, you may have noticed a strong inclination towards progressive policies, especially in areas like education and environmental protection. This aligns with the city's Democratic lean in political makeup. On the other hand, Bakersfield's residents often support more conservative viewpoints, particularly regarding the economy and regulatory policies, reflecting its Republican leaning. While both cities share a Christian majority, Bakersfield is notable for its significant evangelical community, which may influence its local culture and politics differently compared to Raleigh's broader religious diversity.

Raleigh vs. Bakersfield Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving across the country involves many adjustments, especially when it comes to your daily commute. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Raleigh, NC & Bakersfield, CA, designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in your new city.

ComparisonRaleighBakersfield
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

When comparing the two cities, you'll find that Raleigh generally experiences slightly higher traffic congestion than Bakersfield, but it compensates with slightly better public transit options. Commute times are relatively comparable, with Raleigh having an average of 25 minutes and Bakersfield slightly less at 22 minutes. However, it's important to note that while navigating Raleigh without a car can be challenging, Bakersfield makes it even more difficult due to its less extensive public transportation system. This underlines the importance of having a personal vehicle in both cities, especially if you're living or working in areas not well-served by public transit.

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