Moving from Lancaster, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Relocating between Lancaster, CA and Bakersfield, CA is a 88 mi drive — 1h 45m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
88 mi · 1h 45m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 14, CA 58 BUS, CA 138 |
| Major cities en route | Palmdale, Santa Clarita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lancaster | Bakersfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 100.886 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 158.257 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 90.291 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.2% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Bakersfield at 100.886 vs Lancaster at 113.566.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 11.2% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lancaster -2.1%, Bakersfield -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lancaster | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 65°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 98°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 6.8" | 6.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Lancaster (62.1°F) and Bakersfield (65.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANCASTER WM J FOX FLD, CA US, BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lancaster | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,013 | 408,366 |
| Median household income | $76,083 | $77,397 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.7% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 3.26 | 3.2 |
Median household incomes in Lancaster ($76,083) and Bakersfield ($77,397) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Bakersfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 39,670 | $33,500 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 36,890 | $33,490 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 34,910 | $44,030 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,340 | $45,500 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 28,110 | $33,580 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Bakersfield average 97°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Bakersfield sees only 6.7 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — 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
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Bakersfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 88 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Bakersfield compare to Lancaster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA vs $50,490 in the Lancaster MSA, on total employment of 330,270 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Bakersfield more expensive than Lancaster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bakersfield is 11.2% lower than Lancaster (100.886 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Bakersfield compared to Lancaster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,047 in Bakersfield vs $465,847 in Lancaster — a 15.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lancaster vs Bakersfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,397 in Bakersfield vs $76,083 in Lancaster — a 1.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Bakersfield, CA from Lancaster, CA?
The driving distance is 88 mi and the route typically takes 1h 45m via CA 14 and CA 58 BUS. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lancaster.
City profiles: Lancaster, CA · Bakersfield, CA.