Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Maria, CA covers 129 mi and about 2h 39m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
129 mi · 2h 39m by car · CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 166, CA 33, CA 99 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Bakersfield | Santa Maria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.886 | 108.798 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.257 | 149.807 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 90.291 | 151.394 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Santa Maria is 7.8% higher than Bakersfield, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Santa Maria is 7.8% above Bakersfield — $396,047 vs $658,011 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Bakersfield -0.3%, Santa Maria +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Bakersfield | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 73°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 6.7" | 13.3" |
Santa Maria is 6.5°F cooler on the annual average (65.1°F vs 58.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US, SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Bakersfield | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 408,366 | 109,880 |
| Median household income | $77,397 | $84,617 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 29.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 11.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 3.78 |
Median household income in Santa Maria is 7.8% above Bakersfield ($77,397 → $84,617, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Maria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,340 | $35,370 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,000 | $48,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,770 | $37,820 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 13,920 | $66,060 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations | 13,560 | $36,290 |
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
- Dry climate: Santa Maria sees only 13.3 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 Bakersfield to Santa Maria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 129 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Santa Maria, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
The driving distance is 129 mi and the route typically takes 2h 39m via CA 166 and CA 33. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Santa Maria compared to Bakersfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,011 in Santa Maria vs $396,047 in Bakersfield — a 66.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Bakersfield vs Santa Maria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,617 in Santa Maria vs $77,397 in Bakersfield — a 9.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Santa Maria more expensive than Bakersfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Maria is 7.8% higher than Bakersfield (108.798 vs 100.886, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Santa Maria compare to Bakersfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,280 in the Santa Maria MSA vs $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA, on total employment of 202,410 and 330,270 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bakersfield.
City profiles: Bakersfield, CA · Santa Maria, CA.