Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Bakersfield, CA
Relocating 862 mi from Hillsboro to Bakersfield is a 16h 30m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
862 mi Β· 16h 30m by car Β· CA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 99, OR 217 |
| Major cities en route | Visalia, Fresno, Clovis, Modesto, Stockton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Bakersfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 100.886 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 158.257 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 90.291 | 100.0 |
Hillsboro and Bakersfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $522,557 in Hillsboro to $396,047 in Bakersfield, a 4.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Bakersfield -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 6.7" |
Expect 12.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, BAKERSFIELD 5 NW, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 408,366 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $77,397 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 15.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.2 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.3% β $103,207 β $77,397 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Oregon 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.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during 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 warmer climate (12.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,960 in the Bakersfield MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 330,270 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Bakersfield, CA from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 862 mi and the route typically takes 16h 30m via I 5 and CA 99. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Bakersfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 862 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Bakersfield more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Bakersfield is 4.3% lower than Hillsboro (100.886 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Bakersfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,397 in Bakersfield vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 25.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Bakersfield compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,047 in Bakersfield vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 24.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Bakersfield, CA.