Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Clara, CA
Relocating between Bakersfield, CA and Santa Clara, CA is a 248 mi drive β 4h 44m 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.
248 mi Β· 4h 44m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 58, I 5, CA 152 |
| Major cities en route | Salinas, San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bakersfield | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.886 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.257 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 90.291 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.5% above Bakersfield β 100.886 β 110.423 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Bakersfield -0.3%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Bakersfield | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 6.7" | 13.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bakersfield | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 408,366 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $77,397 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.5% β $77,397 β $173,670 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
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
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 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
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Bakersfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 9.5% higher than Bakersfield (110.423 vs 100.886, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Bakersfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $396,047 in Bakersfield β a 350.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
The driving distance is 248 mi and the route typically takes 4h 44m 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 Santa Clara compare to Bakersfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 330,270 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Bakersfield vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $77,397 in Bakersfield β a 124.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 248 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· Santa Clara, CA.