Best Bakersfield to Des Moines Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Bakersfield to Des Moines and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,801 mile move from California to Iowa go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 11 Bakersfield to Des Moines 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 Adamantine Spine Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Bakersfield compared to Des Moines. 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 Bakersfield to Des Moines Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2Best Move Inc9.269.19Authorized For Property
3Excel Relocation Systems8.198.5Authorized For HHG
4Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.8.128.45Authorized For Property, HHG
5Meathead Movers7.225.82Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Bakersfield to Des Moines?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,801 miles from Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA will cost on average $3,313 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Bakersfield to Des Moines move is roughly $7,988. 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$2,224300 ft³$7.41
1 Bedroom$3,313450 ft³$7.36
2 Bedrooms$5,484750 ft³$7.31
3 Bedrooms$7,9881100 ft³$7.26
4 Bedrooms$11,5391600 ft³$7.21
5+ Bedrooms$12,8911800 ft³$7.16
*Please note: These California to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Iowa. 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 IA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Bakersfield guide.

Compare the 5 Best Bakersfield to Des Moines Movers

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

Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

Adamantine Spine Moving

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 898+ data points

2815 36th St

Des Moines, IA, 50310

About Adamantine Spine Moving

With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Best Move Inc Logo

Best Move Inc

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 471+ data points

Burlington, IA, 52601

About Best Move Inc

Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...

Services

  • Material Packing
  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

749231 / 376435

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc. Logo

Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.

Very Good8.12/10
based on 1,185+ 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
4
Meathead Movers Logo

Meathead Movers

7.22/10
based on 641+ data points

2905 Unicorn Rd suite a

Bakersfield, CA, 93308

About Meathead Movers

Meathead Movers was founded by two high school brothers in 1997, and now handles 18,000 moves per year! From Eureka down...

Services

  • Full Service Local Moving
  • On-Site Labor Moves Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

921143 / 398077

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans53
Registered Drivers87
Total Annual Miles Moved1,188,444 (2023)
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.

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Comparing the local neighborhoods between Bakersfield, CA & Des Moines, IA helps you familiarize yourself with an unfamiliar city by using your existing city as a baseline. By drawing parallels between popular neighborhoods in both cities, you can transition smoothly into your new surroundings.

BakersfieldDes MoinesHow They're Similar
Seven OaksJordan Creek – Suburban charm with shopping amenitiesJordan Creek – Suburban charm with shopping amenities
Downtown BakersfieldEast Village – Cultural hub with vibrant arts sceneEast Village – Cultural hub with vibrant arts scene
RosedaleBeaverdale – Family-friendly with mature treesBeaverdale – Family-friendly with mature trees
LaurelglenSouth of Grand – Residential area with parksSouth of Grand – Residential area with parks
College HeightsDrake – College vibe with student housingDrake – College vibe with student housing
Tevis RanchGray’s Woods – Quiet neighborhoods with schoolsGray’s Woods – Quiet neighborhoods with schools
Rio BravoJohnston – Suburban feel with nearby golf courseJohnston – Suburban feel with nearby golf course
Oleander SunsetSherman Hill – Historic district with classic homesSherman Hill – Historic district with classic homes
Stockdale EstatesClive – Upscale suburban livingClive – Upscale suburban living
Kern CityWindsor Heights – Senior-friendly with leisurely activitiesWindsor Heights – Senior-friendly with leisurely activities

If you enjoy the suburban charm and shopping amenities of Seven Oaks, you'll feel at home in Des Moines' Jordan Creek neighborhood, where the large Jordan Creek Town Center offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Those fond of cultural pursuits might find East Village in Des Moines to be quite captivating, echoing Downtown Bakersfield's vibrant arts scene with its stylish boutiques and trendy eateries. Residents of Rosedale who appreciate family-friendly environments will be captivated by Beaverdale’s quaint atmosphere, with its tree-lined streets and welcoming community feel. Meanwhile, the historical allure of Oleander Sunset in Bakersfield is mirrored by Sherman Hill, a Des Moines neighborhood known for its historic homes and quaint charm. These echoes of familiarity between cities can help create a smoother transition to your new home.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Des Moines

  • Explore Des Moines Botanical Garden
  • Enjoy Iowa Wild hockey games
  • Visit Science Center of Iowa
  • Walk through Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Attend live performances at Des Moines Performing Arts
  • Try local foods at Downtown Farmers' Market
  • Bike on High Trestle Trail

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Bakersfield to Des Moines

Moving across states can evoke a mix of emotions and logistical challenges. This guide aims to lay down an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA, to help you navigate the complexities of such a decision. By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • High temperatures
  • Air quality issues
  • Less green spaces
  • Higher crime rates
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Milder summers
  • Cleaner air
  • More parks
  • Lower crime rates
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Colder winters
  • Far from major cities
  • Lesser food variety
  • Quieter social scene
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Warmer winters
  • Proximity to LA
  • More diverse cuisine
  • Vibrant culture

Moving from Bakersfield to Des Moines presents a chance to embrace a city with cleaner air and more green spaces, which is excellent for those who value outdoor activities. You might find yourself spending weekends exploring the lush Des Moines' parks or enjoying the Des Moines Art Festival. However, prepare for colder winters, which might be a significant adjustment from Bakersfield's milder climate. Des Moines might offer a quieter social scene compared to Bakersfield's vibrancy, but it does have unique offerings like the East Village for boutique shopping and dining. The adjustment may take time, but Des Moines’ welcoming community and affordable living can make the transition smoother.

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Food Guide

Food is an essential part of local culture and provides insight into what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we'll take a closer look by comparing the local cuisine between Bakersfield & Des Moines to give you a better understanding of the food scene in your new home.

Bakersfield
Des Moines
Most iconic local food item
Basque cuisine
Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich
Most popular meat dish
Tri-tip steak
Smoked sausage
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Steak de Burgo
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Mexican cuisine
Seitan wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Wool Growers
  • Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen
  • 24th Street Cafe
  • Fong’s Pizza
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  • El Bait Shop
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Bakersfield, you can dive into its unique Basque heritage through dishes found in local institutions like Wool Growers and Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen. The streets buzz with taco trucks offering a taste of the city's authentic Mexican cuisine. Des Moines, on the other hand, takes pride in its heartland classics, such as the iconic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. The city's food scene is vibrant and adventurous, with places like Fong’s Pizza merging Asian cuisine with traditional pizza and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab providing a unique twist on American fast food. Both cities boast a growing foodie culture with an increasing number of eateries catering to health-conscious and vegan diets, reflecting the diverse tastes of their residents.

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

Finding your culinary comforts in a new city can transform any place into home. That's why we've crafted this comparison to ease the transition for anyone moving from Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA. By aligning your favorite Bakersfield eateries with their Des Moines counterparts, we aim to help you rediscover your dining delights. This restaurant comparison chart is a bridge between Bakersfield and Des Moines , offering you a taste of home, wherever you are.

BakersfieldDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
24th Street CafeWaveland CafeClassic, cozy breakfast spot with a similar homey vibe
Luigi's Restaurant & DelicatessenCentroItalian classics with a modern twist, honoring traditional flavors
Wool GrowersArostegui's Spanish RestaurantAuthentic Basque dining experience
Pyrenees CafeHarbingerOffers innovative dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients
Noriega'sTable 128 Bistro + BarCozy, upscale dining with a focus on local produce
Lengthwise Brewing CompanyConfluence Brewing CompanyCraft brewery with robust local flavors
Tehachapi's Original Apple ShedHoQFarm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced ingredients
Moo CreamerySnookies Malt ShopOffers a nostalgic atmosphere with quality homemade desserts
Valentien RestaurantAlbaChic, elegant setting with a creative, seasonal menu
Dewar's Candy ShopChocolate StorybookHandcrafted sweets and treats to satisfy your sugar cravings

In comparing the vibrant food scene of Bakersfield with Des Moines's culinary delights, it's fascinating to see how each city puts its unique spin on similar dining experiences. For those moving from Bakersfield, places like Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines offer a craft beer experience that mirrors the communal and local ethos of Lengthwise Brewing Company. Meanwhile, the farm-to-table approach of HoQ in Des Moines resonates with the locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes that fans of Tehachapi's Original Apple Shed in Bakersfield cherish. This transition doesn't mean leaving your culinary memories behind but rather discovering new favorites that provide comfort and continuity in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how Bakersfield and Des Moines compare can significantly impact your decision-making process regarding housing options such as cost, walkability, and typical architecture. Understanding these factors in both cities is crucial for a smooth transition.

Bakersfield
Des Moines
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Ranch
Colonial and Craftsman
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious backyards, pools
Historic details, energy efficiency

When considering a move from Bakersfield to Des Moines, you'll find distinct differences in the housing landscape. Des Moines homes are typically more historic, with an emphasis on Colonial and Craftsman architecture, often featuring energy efficiency as a key selling point. This contrasts with the modern and ranch-style homes prevalent in Bakersfield, where spacious backyards and pools are more common. Additionally, Des Moines provides a slightly better urban lifestyle, with higher walkability and bikeability scores, indicative of a city that's easier to navigate without a car. Whether you're searching for a place that reflects historical charm or modern comfort, these insights can guide your decision in finding a home that suits your style and needs.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

1. Beaverdale: You’ll love the abundance of parks and walking trails that make it easy to keep your furry friends active and happy.

2. Ingersoll Park: With pet-friendly cafes and easy access to local dog parks, you and your pet can enjoy everything the community has to offer.

3. Waveland Park: You’re never far from open spaces and trails, making it convenient for daily walks and outdoor pet activities.

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide provides a detailed comparison of the climate conditions you’ll experience moving from Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA, ensuring you know exactly what to expect from your new home’s weather.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

93°F / 66°F
85°F / 65°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

55°F / 38°F
31°F / 14°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

6.47
36.0
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
36


In comparing Bakersfield to Des Moines, notable differences arise, especially when considering winter temperatures and snowfall. Preparing for a Des Moines winter means investing in quality winter clothing, as the city experiences significant snowfall and colder temperatures. Summers in Des Moines are milder with higher humidity levels than Bakersfield, influencing daily comfort and activities. Moreover, the shift in the number of sunshine days and annual rainfall will greatly affect outdoor plans and lifestyle adjustments. Bakersfield residents moving to Des Moines should also prepare for different natural disaster risks including tornadoes and blizzards.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison provides insight into the cost of living and general economic situation in Bakersfield, CA versus Des Moines, IA, highlighting key factors such as average household income, state taxes, and the prevailing economic climate. This information is vital for anyone considering making a move between these two cities.

Bakersfield
Des Moines
Avg. Household Income
$66,666
$60,693
Cost of Living Index
103.4
90.9
State Income Tax
1-13.3
0.33-8.53
Avg. Property Tax
0.81
1.56
Avg. Sales Tax
7.25-8.25
6-7
Top 3 Industries
Oil & Gas, Agriculture, Healthcare
Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
Growing
Poverty
High
Moderate
Homelessness
Evident
Less Visible

Des Moines, IA, offers a more affordable living environment compared to Bakersfield, CA, with a lower cost of living index and average property tax rate, despite the higher percentage mark. The difference in state income tax reflects Iowa's more gradual tax scale compared to California's steep progression. The dominant industries in Des Moines lean towards finance and insurance, signaling a dynamic economic landscape, likely contributing to its growing affluence and relatively lower poverty levels. These differences are critical to consider for financial planning and lifestyle expectations when moving.

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison

If you're planning a move from Bakersfield, CA, to Des Moines, IA, one of the adjustments you'll navigate is the difference in the community's makeup. In this comparison, we provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Bakersfield & Des Moines to help you understand the cultural and social atmosphere you're moving into.

Bakersfield
Des Moines
Political Make-up
Conservatively inclined
Liberal-leaning
Local Politics
Largely Republican dominance
Democratic lean
Religion
High Christian presence, with notable churches
Diverse religious landscape, including Catholic and interfaith communities

In Bakersfield, you might find a community with a significant conservative leaning, both in terms of political affiliation and religious participation. There, Christianity plays a central role in the community's makeup, with a variety of churches serving as key landmarks and gathering spaces. Moving to Des Moines, you'll notice a shift toward more liberal political views and a diversified religious landscape that includes a strong Catholic presence as well as active interfaith communities. This diversity in Des Moines could offer a fresh perspective and new opportunities for community engagement and spiritual exploration.

Bakersfield vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This guide is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like when considering moving from Bakersfield, CA to Des Moines, IA. We'll cover key differences so you can plan your transportation or decide on which city meets your commuting needs more efficiently.

Bakersfield
Des Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
19
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
No
Yes, but not as easily as in larger cities

Your daily commute and mode of transportation are significant factors to consider when relocating. Bakersfield and Des Moines have some differences in this area. Bakersfield's average commute time is a bit longer, and the city experiences higher traffic congestion than Des Moines. While both cities offer public transportation options, Des Moines scores slightly higher in terms of availability and convenience. Living without a car is more feasible in Des Moines than in Bakersfield, although if you're relocating from a major city with a robust public transit system, you might still find it challenging. Understanding these nuances will help you adjust your expectations and plan your move more effectively.

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