($1,075+) St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA Movers

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Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $1,075 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,409 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,790 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,185, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,409 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,524 - $5,101, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,075 - $2,867.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,978 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from St. Louis to Ontario: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,978 - $6,802. Moving containers run about 39% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 63% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,790-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,790-mile route from St. Louis to Ontario, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,185 - $4,841 $1,524 - $2,712 $1,075 - $1,929 $1,292 - $2,441
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,978 - $6,802 $1,817 - $3,835 $1,096 - $2,414 $1,607 - $3,006
4+ bedrooms $5,740 - $10,409 $2,640 - $5,101 $1,409 - $2,867 $2,153 - $4,417

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA

For the 1,790-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Ontario, California, full-service movers cost between $2,185 and $10,409. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $294 - $1,960 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in St. Louis generally start around $247 plus $145 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Ontario:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,185 - $4,841
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,978 - $6,802
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,740 - $10,409

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 St. Louis to Ontario.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing71% of local movers$490 - $4,900
Storage in transitNew place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$196 - $1,176/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$294 - $2,352
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$980 - $2,940
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,450 - $9,800
Car shippingSecond vehicle$734 - $1,395
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: McGuire Moving and Storage$980 - $2,450
PianoAny piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$784 - $3,430
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers$294 - $1,470
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage$637 - $1,960
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$294 - $14,700+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$294 - $3,430+

What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Ontario?

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in St. Louis, MO. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA

Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,524 and $5,101. 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 St. Louis costs roughly $90/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Ontario:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,524 - $2,712
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,817 - $3,835
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,640 - $5,101

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Louis, MO and Ontario, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $686 in St. Louis, MO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

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 $1,524. 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 $1,817 - $3,835.

What are the best moving containers St. Louis to Ontario?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis:

  • Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA

Truck rentals from St. Louis, Missouri, to Ontario, California, range from $1,075 - $2,867 for the 1,790-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $558 - $638
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from St. Louis to Ontario based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $1,929
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,096 - $2,414
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,409 - $2,867

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,075 - $2,867 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Louis to Ontario. Fuel ($558 - $638), lodging at around $147/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $343.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $147.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $558 and $638 for the 1,790-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $686 for 2 movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Ontario?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA

For larger DIY moves from St. Louis, Missouri, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Ontario, California.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,607 and $3,006.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Ontario:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,292 - $2,441
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,607 - $3,006
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,153 - $4,417

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In St. Louis, Missouri, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $686.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $74 - $147 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Ontario?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from St. Louis to Ontario, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Ontario, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ontario, side by side with St. Louis on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure St. Louis, MO Ontario, CA
Cost of living index84119
Average rent$1,250/mo$2,619/mo
Median home value$180,206$564,076
Average income$55,279/yr$82,806/yr
Unemployment rate6.3%6.9%
State income taxUp to 4.8%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score66/10048/100
Safety index30.35/10049.75/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Ontario, CA to St. Louis, MO guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Missouri to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 138 movers in Missouri, so you have real options to compare for this 1,790-mile move.

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Our take

The 1,790-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Ontario, CA, costs between $2,185 and $10,409 with full-service movers, $1,524 - $5,101 with a moving container, and $1,075 - $2,867 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,978 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.

FAQs: Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Ontario, CA

How long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($558 - $638), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA?

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 $1,096 - $2,414. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from St. Louis, MO to Ontario, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,075 to $10,409, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,185 and $10,409, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

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.

What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 52% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.