Best Portland to Bakersfield Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Portland to Bakersfield and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 852 mile move from Oregon to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 21 Portland 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 Northwest Grace Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland 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 Portland to Bakersfield Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Northwest Grace Moving9.319.28Authorized For HHG
2All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHG
3Comfortable Moving9.179.55Authorized For HHG
4Excel Relocation Systems8.198.5Authorized For HHG
5Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc.8.128.45Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Portland to Bakersfield?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 852 miles from Portland, OR to Bakersfield, CA will cost on average $2,506 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Bakersfield move is roughly $6,015. 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$1,686300 ft³$5.62
1 Bedroom$2,506450 ft³$5.57
2 Bedrooms$4,139750 ft³$5.52
3 Bedrooms$6,0151100 ft³$5.47
4 Bedrooms$8,6691600 ft³$5.42
5+ Bedrooms$9,6631800 ft³$5.37
*Please note: These Oregon to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Oregon & 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 OR to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Bakersfield to Portland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Portland to Bakersfield Movers

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

Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 558+ data points

19764 Cypresswood St

Oregon City, OR, 97045

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
All Service Moving Logo

All Service Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 7,584+ data points

66 SE Morrison St

Portland, OR, 97214

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Comfortable Moving Logo

Comfortable Moving

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 624+ data points

3305 Main St # 023

Vancouver, WA, 98663

About Comfortable Moving

Comfortable Moving is a family-owned and operated moving business providing residential and commercial moving services since 2017. Based in Vancouver, WA,...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/23/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3236736 / 1015844

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved14,000 (2020)
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
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.

Portland vs. Bakersfield Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've prepared a guide that compares the local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Bakersfield, CA . By identifying the closest equivalents in Bakersfield to your favorite Portland neighborhoods, we aim to help you find a new place that feels like home.

PortlandBakersfieldHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictSeven Oaksupscale, vibrant lifestyle
Alberta Arts DistrictWestchesterartistic vibe, historical homes
Nob HillLaurelglenquiet, upscale living
HawthorneOlde Stockdalebohemian, unique shops
MississippiEast Bakersfieldthriving local scene
RichmondRosedalefamily-friendly, community vibe
Sellwood-MorelandTevis Ranchpeaceful, suburban feel
Goose HollowRiverlakesresidential, near amenities
St. JohnsHaggin Oaksrelaxed, spacious living
IrvingtonStockdale Estateshistoric homes, elegant

By exploring these comparable neighborhoods, you can discover the unique attributes that make each area special. For instance, the Pearl District in Portland, known for its upscale vibe and vibrant nightlife, is closely mirrored by Seven Oaks in Bakersfield, where you'll find a similar upscale living experience. Meanwhile, the artistic Alberta Arts District finds its counterpart in Bakersfield's Westchester, where an appreciation for history and the arts thrives among the community. Likewise, the Hawthorne area in Portland, famous for its bohemian atmosphere and unique shops, is reflected in Olde Stockdale in Bakersfield. This similarity offers a unique shopping and dining experience, ensuring you won't miss the quirky charm of Portland. Whether you're searching for a family-friendly neighborhood, vibrant nightlife, or a peaceful retreat, these comparisons make it easier to find your perfect match in Bakersfield.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Bakersfield

Moving from Portland, OR to Bakersfield, CA represents a significant change, encompassing a myriad of factors that can impact your lifestyle. This comparison aims to shed light on the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make an informed decision. By evaluating the benefits against the drawbacks through our charts, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what awaits in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher cost of living
  • Wetter climate
  • Less diverse industries
  • Fewer sunny days
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Sunnier days
  • Oil & agriculture jobs
  • More outdoor activities
Bakersfield, CA iconBakersfield, CA
  • Less greenery
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Less coffee variety
  • Car-dependent city
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Lush green spaces
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Rich coffee culture
  • Strong bike culture

Moving from the lush, rain-soaked streets of Portland, characterized by its vibrant cultural scene and abundant green spaces such as Washington Park and Forest Park, to Bakersfield means adjusting to a sunnier climate ripe with different opportunities. In Bakersfield, you'll find yourself exploring the vast landscapes of the Kern River Valley or enjoying the local cuisine at places like Dewar's Candy Shop, a local favorite known for its handmade chews and ice cream. Despite a smaller cultural scene, Bakersfield hosts unique attractions such as the Bakersfield Museum of Art and bustling events at Mechanics Bank Arena, offering new entertainment venues. This transition may involve adapting to a more car-dependent lifestyle but also opens doors to experiencing the tight-knit community charm and the economic benefits driven by the oil and agricultural sectors inherent to the San Joaquin Valley.

Portland vs. Bakersfield Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Portland & Bakersfield is crucial because food significantly shapes the local culture and living experience. By understanding the food scene, you can better prepare for your relocation.

Portland
Bakersfield
Most iconic local food item
Dungeness Crab
Tri-tip
Most popular meat dish
Pork Belly
Tri-tip steak
Most popular street food item
Food Truck Tacos
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Tofu Scramble
Vegan Burritos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Le Pigeon
  • Screen Door
  • Pok Pok
  • Wool Growers
  • Luigi's Delicatessen & Market
  • Pyrenees Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Bakersfield, you'll find a culinary scene marked by its iconic tri-tip, a testament to California's ranching culture. For those who enjoy hearty, meat-centric meals, establishments like Wool Growers and Pyrenees Café offer an authentic taste of local favorites. Bakersfield also boasts an up-and-coming street food scene, with bacon-wrapped hot dogs being a popular choice around events and busy streets. Despite fewer options compared to Portland, the city is also accommodating to vegans, with places like vegan-friendly Luigi's Deli offering dishes that cater to this dietary preference. If you're moving from Portland, you'll notice a different vibe in Bakersfield—less emphasis on food truck abundance and a slightly more traditional dining ethos, but with its unique charm and flavors.

Portland vs. Bakersfield Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with satisfying your culinary cravings. This restaurant comparison between Portland, OR, and Bakersfield, CA, is crafted to help you discover your new favorite eateries, aligning your old favorites with new discoveries. Whether you’re searching for high-end dining experiences or cozy, casual spots, our guide will ease your transition and spice up your meals.

PortlandBakersfieldWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonCafe MedSimilar upscale dining with a focus on intricate dishes
Pok PokBlue ElephantOffers authentic Thai cuisine with a unique flavor
Voodoo DoughnutSmith's BakeriesKnown for a wide variety of creative doughnuts
Tasty n Alder24th Street CafeCozy spot with a comfort food menu that offers all-day breakfast
Screen DoorJ's PlaceSoul food restaurant mirroring Screen Door's Southern cuisine
Apizza SchollsCubbies Chicago Style PizzaA nod to quality pizzas with a Chicago twist
RoeTokyo GardenFine dining sushi that matches Roe’s attention to seafood quality
Nong's Khao Man GaiGolden OxOffers a similar beloved, comfort food experience with a focus on simple, flavorful dishes
Luc Lac Vietnamese KitchenPho HutAuthentic Vietnamese cuisine capturing the essence of Luc Lac's dishes
Salt & StrawDeWars Candy ShopThough best known for candy, they provide a unique ice cream experience

While you might miss lounging at Portland's iconic Le Pigeon and its innovative French dishes, Bakersfield's Cafe Med promises a similar upscale dining experience with a mix of Mediterranean flair. Craving the unique sweetness of Voodoo Doughnut? Smith's Bakeries in Bakersfield will surprise you with an eclectic array of doughnuts that are every bit as inventive. And for those nights when only the best pizza will do, the transition from Apizza Scholls to Cubbies Chicago Style Pizza ensures you won't miss out on a top-tier pie, offering a memorable gustatory experience that rivals your old favorites. Each Bakersfield restaurant not only complements the essence of Portland's diverse food scene but also introduces you to the local flavors of your new home.

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Portland vs. Bakersfield Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate aspects between your current and future home is crucial. It helps you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly. In this section, we'll delve into how Portland, OR and Bakersfield, CA compare in terms of housing —covering costs, architecture, walkability, and more. This comparison will serve as a guide to better understand what each city has to offer.

Portland
Bakersfield
Typical Architecture Style
Craftsman, Old Portland
Ranch, Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Eco-friendly features, Proximity to public transport
Spacious lots, New constructions

In comparing housing between Portland and Bakersfield, several aspects stand out. Portland boasts a higher walkability score, indicative of its compact urban layout and the availability of amenities within walking distance. It's renowned for its unique Craftsman and "Old Portland" architectural styles, which contribute to its distinct character. Proximity to public transportation and eco-friendly features are commonly highlighted in Portland's real estate listings, reflecting the city's green ethos. On the other hand, Bakersfield offers more affordable housing options, with a focus on spacious lots and new constructions. Although its urban lifestyle and bikeability scores are lower than Portland's, Bakersfield's growing development presents potential for increasing urbanity and improved infrastructure in the coming years.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA

1. The Oaks : You’ll love the abundance of parks and walking paths where your pets can play and socialize.

2. Seven Oaks : This neighborhood offers spacious homes with large yards, perfect for your furry friends to roam freely.

3. Laurelglen : Your pets will enjoy the community’s dog parks and pet-friendly amenities found throughout the area.

Portland vs. Bakersfield Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Portland, OR to Bakersfield, CA, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for a smoother transition. This guide highlights the key differences between Portland's and Bakersfield's climate, ensuring you know what to expect in your new home.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

80°F / 55°F
98°F / 66°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

47°F / 36°F
55°F / 38°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
6.5
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4.3
0


Moving from the cooler, wetter climate of Portland to the hotter and drier environment of Bakersfield will be a noticeable change. Bakersfield boasts more than double the days of sunshine compared to Portland, coupled with significantly lower annual rainfall and almost non-existent snowfall. The higher temperatures, especially in summer, and lower humidity levels may require some adjustments in your daily life and routines. Paying attention to air quality and local allergens will also be important for maintaining health and comfort in Bakersfield.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how your budget and expenses might shift when relocating from Portland, OR to Bakersfield, CA , focusing on aspects like income, taxes, and cost of living to ensure a smooth transition.

Portland
Bakersfield
Avg. Household Income
$79,057
$66,666
Cost of Living Index
111.3
103.4
State Income Tax
9.9
9.9
Avg. Property Tax
0.97
0.81
Avg. Sales Tax
0
7.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Distribution
Affluence
Moderately Affluent
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Higher
Homelessness
High
Moderate

Moving from Portland to Bakersfield, you'll notice a significant drop in the cost of living index, with Bakersfield being more affordable. However, the average household income also dips. Both cities fall under California's state income tax regime, but sales tax only applies in Bakersfield. Interestingly, while Portland zeroes in on technology and healthcare, Bakersfield thrives on oil, gas, and agriculture, indicating distinct economic landscapes. Despite a comparatively moderate affluence level in Bakersfield, its strategic industries provide unique job opportunities not readily available in Portland.

Portland vs. Bakersfield Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison between Portland, OR & Bakersfield, CA aims to provide you with a quick glimpse into the political and religious landscape of these cities, helping you understand the community you're moving from and to.

Portland
Bakersfield
Political Make-up
Liberal
Conservative
Local Politics
Progressive policies
More traditional
Religion
Less religiously affiliated
Higher religious affiliation

Portland and Bakersfield offer distinct social landscapes shaped significantly by their political and religious makeups. Portland is known for its liberal stance, with a strong emphasis on progressive policies, reflected in its approach to environmental and social issues. This contrasts with Bakersfield's conservative outlook, where traditional values have a more substantial impact on local politics and decisions. While Portland has a larger portion of its population identifying as less religiously affiliated, Bakersfield's community shows a higher degree of religious affiliation, often influencing local culture and community events. Understanding these differences will provide you a smoother transition, allowing you to engage more effectively with your new community.

Portland vs. Bakersfield Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and the difference in traffic and transportation options between Portland, OR, and Bakersfield, CA, is crucial for anyone planning to move. This comparison will help you gauge what to expect in terms of getting around in your new city.

Portland
Bakersfield
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
22
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
8 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes
No

In Portland, the public transit system, including buses and the light rail TriMet, scores high in availability, making it easier for residents to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. This contrasts with Bakersfield, where the public transport options are more limited, signaling a higher dependence on cars for daily commutes. The lower traffic congestion in Bakersfield, however, does make driving a somewhat smoother experience. Despite these differences, each city offers unique challenges and benefits that might suit different lifestyle preferences.

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