($829+) Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,253 to $8,514, with an average cost of $3,400. Moves can be as low as $829 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,208 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 Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Santa Ana to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,253 - $8,514 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,400, 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 1,208 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 1,208-mile route from Santa Ana to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,253 - $5,226, container $1,336 - $2,382, rental truck $813 - $1,581, freight trailer $1,215 - $2,253.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,742 - $6,824, container $1,738 - $3,252, rental truck $871 - $1,844, freight trailer $1,337 - $2,764.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,944 - $8,514, container $2,240 - $4,352, rental truck $1,029 - $2,094, freight trailer $1,755 - $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 Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
For the 1,208-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, Montana, full-service movers cost between $1,253 and $8,514. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $433 - $2,884 (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 Santa Ana generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,253 - $5,226
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,742 - $6,824
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,944 - $8,514
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 Ana 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: 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 Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 84% of Santa Ana 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 | $721 - $7,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready84% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $288 - $1,730/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $433 - $3,461 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,442 - $4,326 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,605 - $14,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,080 - $2,052 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,442 - $3,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,154 - $5,047 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $433 - $2,163 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $937 - $2,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $433 - $21,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $433 - $5,047+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,336 and $4,352. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Santa Ana typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,738 - $3,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,240 - $4,352
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, CA and Missoula, MT. 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 $1,009 in Santa Ana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $108 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $216 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.
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 $1,336. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,738 - $3,252, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Ana:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,208 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, Montana, running $813 - $2,094. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $554 - $633
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $813 - $1,581
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,844
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,029 - $2,094
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $813 - $2,094 when pricing out a rental truck from Santa Ana to Missoula. Fuel alone runs ($554 - $633) , and overnight lodging ($216/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $554 - $633 for the 1,208-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,009.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,208-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $216 per night, adding $433 - $649 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $72 and $433.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, 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 $1,298 and $2,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,215 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Ana, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,009.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $108 - $216 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 Santa Ana to Missoula?
- 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.
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, CA vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 66.73/100 |
| 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 Missoula, MT to Santa Ana, 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 1,208-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Santa Ana, CA, to Missoula, MT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,253 for a studio to $8,514 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,208-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,336 - $4,352. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $813 - $2,094, 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 $2,742 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 Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Missoula, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($554 - $633), daily insurance ($43/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $216/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 67 and 62 in Santa Ana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,253 to $8,514, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,253 and $8,514, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, 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 percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
