($789+) Riverside, CA to Billings, MT Movers
The cost to move from Riverside, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,202 to $8,693, with an average cost of $3,350. Moves can be as low as $789 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,200 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 Riverside, CA to Billings, MT
Moving options from Riverside to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,202 - $8,693 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,350, 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 1,200 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 1,200-mile route from Riverside to Billings, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,202 - $5,381, container $1,309 - $2,503, rental truck $765 - $1,445, freight trailer $1,132 - $2,100.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,713 - $6,559, container $1,654 - $3,523, rental truck $897 - $1,862, freight trailer $1,418 - $2,791.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,656 - $8,693, container $2,263 - $4,486, rental truck $1,127 - $2,138, freight trailer $1,810 - $3,660.
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 Riverside, CA to Billings, MT
For the 1,200-mile move from Riverside, California, to Billings, Montana, full-service movers cost between $1,202 and $8,693. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $350 - $2,332 (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 Riverside generally start around $239 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Riverside to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,202 - $5,381
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,713 - $6,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,656 - $8,693
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 Riverside 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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Riverside, CA to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Riverside 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 | $583 - $5,830 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $233 - $1,399/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $350 - $2,798 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,166 - $3,498 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,915 - $11,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $873 - $1,659 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $1,166 - $2,915 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: VIP Transport, Inc. | $933 - $4,081 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $350 - $1,749 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: JFK Moving Company | $758 - $2,332 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $350 - $17,490+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $350 - $4,081+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Riverside to Billings?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Riverside, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Riverside, CA to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Riverside, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,309 and $4,486. 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 Riverside runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Riverside to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,309 - $2,503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,654 - $3,523
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,263 - $4,486
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 Riverside, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $816, 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 $87 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $175 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Riverside, 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 $1,309. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,654 - $3,523, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside:
- JFK Moving Company (4.8/5), 6 years in business
- Burgess Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 80 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Riverside, CA to Billings, MT
A rental truck for this 1,200-mile move from Riverside, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $765 and $2,138. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $445 - $509
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Riverside daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Riverside to Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $765 - $1,445
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $897 - $1,862
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,138
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $765 - $2,138 does not include fuel ($445 - $509) , lodging ($175/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Riverside to Billings typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $175 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Riverside, California, usually costs about $816 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,200-mile drive falls between $445 and $509, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $58 and $350 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Riverside 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 Riverside, CA to Billings, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Riverside, California, to Billings, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,049 and $2,791.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Riverside to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,132 - $2,100
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,418 - $2,791
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,810 - $3,660
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?
- 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 $87 - $175 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Riverside, California, for about five hours typically runs $816.
What are the best freight companies from Riverside to Billings?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Riverside to Billings, 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: Riverside, 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 Riverside on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Riverside, CA | Billings, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 131 | 95 |
| Average rent | $2,295/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $539,898 | $310,937 |
| Average income | $88,575/yr | $71,855/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 59.76/100 | 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 Riverside, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quotes from California to Montana, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,200-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Riverside, CA, to Billings, MT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,202 for a studio to $8,693 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,200-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,309 - $4,486. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $765 - $2,138, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,713 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Riverside, CA, to Billings, MT
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 is the best time of year to move from Riverside, 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.
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.
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 59.76 and 40.24 in Riverside. 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 Riverside, 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 $897 - $1,862. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Riverside movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Riverside handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
