($717+) Fontana, CA to Billings, MT Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,203 to $8,544, with an average cost of $3,200. Moves can be as low as $717 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,188 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 Fontana, CA to Billings, MT
Moving options from Fontana to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,203 - $8,544 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,200, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% 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 1,188 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 1,188-mile route from Fontana to Billings, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,203 - $4,917 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,224 - $2,271), rental truck ($754 - $1,409), or freight trailer ($1,058 - $2,146). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,724 - $6,154 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,544.
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 Fontana, CA to Billings, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,188-mile move from Fontana, California, to Billings, Montana, with costs ranging from $1,203 - $8,544. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $328 - $2,188. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fontana and Billings. Local movers in Fontana typically start around $259 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $4,917
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,724 - $6,154
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,428 - $8,544
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 Fontana to Billings.
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 Fontana, CA to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Fontana 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 packing72% of local movers | $547 - $5,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $219 - $1,313/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $328 - $2,626 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,094 - $3,282 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,735 - $10,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $819 - $1,557 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $1,094 - $2,735 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $875 - $3,829 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $328 - $1,641 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $711 - $2,188 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $328 - $16,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $328 - $3,829+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fontana 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fontana, CA. 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 Fontana, CA to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,224 and $3,978. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Billings. If you go over that window, storage in Fontana adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,224 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,499 - $3,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,050 - $3,978
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $766 in Fontana, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Billings, MT, destination before booking.
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 $1,224. 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 $1,499 - $3,037.
What are the best moving containers Fontana 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 Fontana 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 Fontana:
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Billings, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,188 miles from Fontana, California, to Billings, Montana, running $754 - $2,043. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $414 - $473
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Fontana 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 Fontana to Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $754 - $1,409
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $807 - $1,593
- 4+ bedrooms: $955 - $2,043
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $754 - $2,043 does not include fuel ($414 - $473), lodging ($164/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Fontana to Billings typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
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 $82 and $383.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $164.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $414 and $473 for the 1,188-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 $766 for 2 movers in Fontana, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana 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 Fontana, CA to Billings, MT
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Fontana, California, to Billings, Montana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,300 and $2,405.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,058 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,674 - $3,417
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 $82 - $164 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Fontana, California, for about five hours typically runs $766.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Billings quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Fontana, 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 Fontana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fontana, CA | Billings, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 95 |
| Average rent | $3,000/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $554,802 | $310,937 |
| Average income | $98,187/yr | $71,855/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 68.35/100 | 50.37/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Fontana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote 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 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,188-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,188-mile move from Fontana, CA, to Billings, MT, costs between $1,203 and $8,544 with full-service movers, $1,224 - $3,978 with a moving container, and $754 - $2,043 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 $2,724 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 Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Billings, MT
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 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 do local movers charge in Fontana?
Local movers based in Fontana typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $110/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 Billings run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Fontana, CA to Billings, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $717 to $8,544, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,203 and $8,544, 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 percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.