($713+) Modesto, CA to Billings, MT Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,130 to $8,217, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $713 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,150 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT
Moving options from Modesto to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,130 - $8,217 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 70% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,150 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,150-mile route from Modesto to Billings, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,130 - $4,857 | $1,154 - $2,339 | $735 - $1,385 | $1,060 - $2,104 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,755 - $6,059 | $1,564 - $3,101 | $818 - $1,730 | $1,201 - $2,632 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,549 - $8,217 | $2,073 - $4,308 | $1,007 - $1,968 | $1,761 - $3,480 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT
Full-service movers for the 1,150-mile relocation from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,130 and $8,217. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $323 - $2,152, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Modesto typically charge a base rate around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $4,857
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,755 - $6,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,549 - $8,217
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Modesto to Billings.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Billings, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $538 - $5,380 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $215 - $1,291/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,582 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,076 - $3,228 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,690 - $10,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $806 - $1,531 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,076 - $2,690 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $861 - $3,766 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $323 - $1,614 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $699 - $2,152 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,140+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,766+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Billings?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Modesto, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,154 and $4,308. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Modesto runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,154 - $2,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,564 - $3,101
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,073 - $4,308
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $81 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $161 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Billings, MT, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $753 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,154. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,564 - $3,101.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Billings?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Modesto to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 1,150-mile move from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $735 and $1,968, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $394 - $450
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $735 - $1,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $818 - $1,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,007 - $1,968
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $735 - $1,968 when pricing out a rental truck from Modesto to Billings. Fuel alone runs $394 - $450, and overnight lodging ($161/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $161 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $70 and $350 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $394 - $450 in fuel for the 1,150-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $753 in Modesto, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Billings?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Modesto, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Billings, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,201 and $2,632.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,060 - $2,104
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,201 - $2,632
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,480
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $753.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $161 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Billings?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Billings, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Billings, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Modesto, CA | Billings, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 116 | 95 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $415,024 | $310,937 |
| Average income | $77,899/yr | $71,855/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 34.24/100 | 50.37/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings, MT to Modesto, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from California to Montana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,150-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Billings, MT, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,130 - $8,217 on the 1,150-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,154 - $4,308 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $735 - $1,968 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,755 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Billings, MT
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Billings a safe place to live?
Billings has a safety index of 50.37 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.63, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $818 - $1,730. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Billings?
For families, Josephine Crossing, West End, and Heights are worth a look in Billings. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Billings, South Park, and Poly Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.