Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Oakland, CA
The 270 mi from Bakersfield to Oakland translate to about 5h 1m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
270 mi Β· 5h 1m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 580, CA 58 |
| Major cities en route | Vallejo, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bakersfield | Oakland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.886 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.257 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 90.291 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 100.886 in Bakersfield to 115.613 in Oakland, a 14.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Oakland: 14.6% above Bakersfield on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Bakersfield -0.3%, Oakland -8.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Bakersfield | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 72Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 6.7" | 22.6" |
Climate cools by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 65.1Β°F β 59.6Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Oakland β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US, OAKLAND MUSEUM, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bakersfield | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 408,366 | 438,072 |
| Median household income | $77,397 | $97,369 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 26.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 2.53 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.6% between Bakersfield and Oakland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oakland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Oakland more expensive than Bakersfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oakland is 14.6% higher than Bakersfield (115.613 vs 100.886, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Oakland compared to Bakersfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $716,248 in Oakland vs $396,047 in Bakersfield β a 80.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Bakersfield vs Oakland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,369 in Oakland vs $77,397 in Bakersfield β a 25.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Oakland, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
The driving distance is 270 mi and the route typically takes 5h 1m via I 5 and I 580. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Oakland compare to Bakersfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Oakland MSA vs $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 330,270 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Oakland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 270 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bakersfield.
City profiles: Bakersfield, CA Β· Oakland, CA.