Moving from Pompano Beach, FL to Bakersfield, CA
Cross-country relocations like Pompano Beach, FL β Bakersfield, CA cover 2725 mi and about 48h 41m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2725 mi Β· 48h 41m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 20, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Lancaster, Victorville, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Amarillo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pompano Beach | Bakersfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 100.886 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 158.257 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 90.291 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Bakersfield are 11.6% below Pompano Beach β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 11.6% higher in Bakersfield than Pompano Beach as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Pompano Beach -5.4%, Bakersfield -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pompano Beach | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 60Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 6.7" |
Climate cools by 12.1Β°F on the annual average β 77.2Β°F β 65.1Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: POMPANO BEACH AIRPARK, FL US, BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pompano Beach | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,212 | 408,366 |
| Median household income | $63,832 | $77,397 |
| Median age | 41.7 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 3.2 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.6% between Pompano Beach and Bakersfield (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.
Moving between Florida and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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 97Β°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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Bakersfield compare to Pompano Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA vs $46,510 in the Pompano Beach MSA, on total employment of 330,270 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Bakersfield, CA from Pompano Beach, FL?
The driving distance is 2725 mi and the route typically takes 48h 41m via I 40 and I 20. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Bakersfield compared to Pompano Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,047 in Bakersfield vs $351,517 in Pompano Beach β a 12.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pompano Beach to Bakersfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2725 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Pompano Beach vs Bakersfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,397 in Bakersfield vs $63,832 in Pompano Beach β a 21.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Bakersfield more expensive than Pompano Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bakersfield is 11.6% lower than Pompano Beach (100.886 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pompano Beach.
City profiles: Pompano Beach, FL Β· Bakersfield, CA.