($842+) Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,318 to $8,862, with an average cost of $3,500. Moves can be as low as $842 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,226 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 Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Bakersfield to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,318 - $8,862 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,500, 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 1,226 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 1,226-mile route from Bakersfield to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,318 - $5,342 | $1,309 - $2,356 | $834 - $1,546 | $1,189 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,935 - $6,594 | $1,685 - $3,386 | $919 - $1,820 | $1,416 - $2,599 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,762 - $8,862 | $2,214 - $4,624 | $1,146 - $2,175 | $1,827 - $3,481 |
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 Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT
For the 1,226-mile move from Bakersfield, California, to Missoula, Montana, full-service movers cost between $1,318 and $8,862. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $316 - $2,104 (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 Bakersfield generally start around $420 plus $116 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Bakersfield to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,318 - $5,342
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,935 - $6,594
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,762 - $8,862
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 Bakersfield to Missoula.
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 80% of Bakersfield movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $526 - $5,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready80% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage20% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,052 - $3,156 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,630 - $10,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $788 - $1,497 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling20% of local movers | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $684 - $2,104 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,682+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Bakersfield to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Bakersfield, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,309 and $4,624. 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 Bakersfield runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Bakersfield to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $2,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,685 - $3,386
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,214 - $4,624
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $79 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $158 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Missoula, 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 $736 in Bakersfield, 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 $1,309. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,685 - $3,386, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Bakersfield to Missoula?
- 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 20 years in business
- US Pro Logistics (4.8/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT
Plan on $834 - $2,175 for a rental moving truck on the 1,226-mile route from Bakersfield, California, to Missoula, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $410 - $469
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Bakersfield daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Bakersfield to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $834 - $1,546
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $919 - $1,820
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,146 - $2,175
Pro tip: The base rate of $834 - $2,175 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Bakersfield to Missoula. Fuel ($410 - $469) , lodging at around $158/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $158 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 $68 and $342 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $410 - $469 in fuel for the 1,226-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $736 in Bakersfield, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Bakersfield to Missoula?
- 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 Bakersfield, CA to Missoula, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Bakersfield, 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 Missoula, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,416 and $2,599.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Bakersfield to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,189 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,416 - $2,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,827 - $3,481
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 Bakersfield, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $736.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $79 - $158 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 Bakersfield to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sidhu Truck Line, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Missoula fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Bakersfield, CA vs Missoula, MT
Bakersfield and Missoula land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 100 in Bakersfield and 113 in Missoula, and rent tracks closely too ($1,695/mo vs. $1,322/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (37 vs 45) and safety scores (41.51 vs 66.73) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from California to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,226-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,226-mile route from Bakersfield, CA, to Missoula, MT, run $1,318 - $8,862 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,309 - $4,624, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $834 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,935, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Bakersfield, CA, to Missoula, 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Bakersfield?
Local movers based in Bakersfield typically start around $420 as a base rate, plus $116/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Missoula run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 37 and 44 in Bakersfield. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Bakersfield movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Bakersfield handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
