Moving from Richmond, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Moving from Richmond, CA to Bakersfield, CA covers 285 mi and about 5h 21m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
285 mi Β· 5h 21m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 58, I 5, I 580 |
| Major cities en route | Modesto, Stockton, Antioch, San Jose, Fremont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Bakersfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 100.886 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 158.257 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 90.291 | 100.0 |
Bakersfield is 12.7% cheaper than Richmond overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Bakersfield is 12.7% below Richmond β $606,427 vs $396,047 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond -5.4%, Bakersfield -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 71Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 6.7" |
Bakersfield runs 6.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (58.8Β°F vs 65.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND, CA US, BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,396 | 408,366 |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $77,397 |
| Median age | 37.6 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.85 | 3.2 |
Median household income in Bakersfield is 12.7% below Richmond ($90,038 β $77,397, 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 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
- 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.
- 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
How far is Bakersfield, CA from Richmond, CA?
The driving distance is 285 mi and the route typically takes 5h 21m via CA 58 and I 5. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Bakersfield compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA vs $72,050 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 330,270 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Bakersfield compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,047 in Bakersfield vs $606,427 in Richmond β a 34.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Bakersfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 285 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Bakersfield more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bakersfield is 12.7% lower than Richmond (100.886 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Bakersfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,397 in Bakersfield vs $90,038 in Richmond β a 14.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, CA Β· Bakersfield, CA.