($834+) Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,242 to $8,772, with an average cost of $3,450. Moves can be as low as $834 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,232 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.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,242 - $8,772 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,232 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 1,232-mile route from Santa Clarita to Billings, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,242 - $5,134, container $1,322 - $2,528, rental truck $834 - $1,623, freight trailer $1,225 - $2,319.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,907 - $6,727, container $1,668 - $3,352, rental truck $841 - $1,746, freight trailer $1,375 - $2,681.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,859 - $8,772, container $2,260 - $4,488, rental truck $1,058 - $2,153, freight trailer $1,827 - $3,445.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Hiring full-service movers from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $1,242 and $8,772. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,232-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $406 - $2,704, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Santa Clarita and Billings. For a rough baseline, movers based in Santa Clarita tend to start around $291 plus $125/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,242 - $5,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,907 - $6,727
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,859 - $8,772
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 Santa Clarita to Billings.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Santa Clarita movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Billings, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $676 - $6,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $270 - $1,622/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,245 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,352 - $4,056 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,380 - $13,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,013 - $1,924 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items66% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,352 - $3,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,082 - $4,732 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $406 - $2,028 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect37% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Affordable Quality Moving and Storage | $879 - $2,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,732+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita to Billings?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Santa Clarita, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,322 and $4,488. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Santa Clarita costs roughly /month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,322 - $2,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,668 - $3,352
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,488
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Santa Clarita, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $946, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $101 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $203 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Clarita, CA, and Billings, MT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,322. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,668 - $3,352, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Air 1 Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 1,232-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $834 and $2,153, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $530 - $606
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Santa Clarita to Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $834 - $1,623
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $841 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,153
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $834 - $2,153 does not include fuel ($530 - $606) , lodging ($203/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Santa Clarita to Billings typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $203 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 $88 and $439 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $530 - $606 in fuel for the 1,232-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $946 in Santa Clarita, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,375 and $2,681.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,225 - $2,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,375 - $2,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,827 - $3,445
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $101 - $203 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about five hours typically runs $946.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Clarita to Billings?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Stevens Trucking (4.54/5 stars): Stevens Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Santa Clarita to Billings. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Billings, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 95 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $310,937 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $71,855/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 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 Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from California to Montana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,232-mile move.
Our take
A move from Santa Clarita, CA, to Billings, MT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,242 - $8,772 on the 1,232-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,322 - $4,488, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $834 - $2,153. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,907 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Clarita, CA, to Billings, MT
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($530 - $606), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $203/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Clarita, 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 $841 - $1,746. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 82% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 66% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
