($818+) Irvine, CA to Billings, MT Movers

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The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,255 to $8,591, with an average cost of $3,350. Moves can be as low as $818 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,232 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.

Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Billings, MT

Moving options from Irvine to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,255 - $8,591 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 1,232 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 1,232-mile route from Irvine to Billings, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,255 - $4,979 $1,348 - $2,479 $793 - $1,623 $1,141 - $2,187
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,878 - $6,327 $1,702 - $3,557 $911 - $1,802 $1,389 - $2,654
4+ bedrooms $4,713 - $8,591 $2,191 - $4,352 $1,058 - $2,310 $1,882 - $3,808

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
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
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 Irvine, CA to Billings, MT

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,232-mile move from Irvine, California, to Billings, Montana, with costs ranging from $1,255 - $8,591. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $411 - $2,740. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Irvine and Billings. Local movers in Irvine typically start around $197 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Billings:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $4,979
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,878 - $6,327
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,713 - $8,591

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 Irvine 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 Irvine, CA to Billings, MT

Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Irvine 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$685 - $6,850
Storage in transitNew place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers$274 - $1,644/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$411 - $3,288
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers$1,370 - $4,110
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,425 - $13,700
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,026 - $1,950
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company $1,370 - $3,425
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company $1,096 - $4,795
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers$411 - $2,055
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company$891 - $2,740
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$411 - $20,550+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$411 - $4,795+

What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Billings?

  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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Irvine, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Billings, MT

Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,348 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 Irvine typically runs around $110/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Billings:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,348 - $2,479
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,702 - $3,557
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,191 - $4,352

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 $959 in Irvine, 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 $103 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $206 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 $1,348. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,702 - $3,557, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Irvine to Billings?

  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 Irvine 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 Irvine:

  • 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 Irvine, CA to Billings, MT

Renting a moving truck for the 1,232-mile move from Irvine, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $793 and $2,310, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $537 - $614
  • Daily insurance: $41/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
  • Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
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 Irvine to Billings based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $793 - $1,623
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,802
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,310

Pro tip: A rental truck from Irvine to Billings looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $793 - $2,310. But once you factor in fuel ($537 - $614) , overnight lodging ($206/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Irvine, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $959.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $537 - $614 for the 1,232-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $82 and $445, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $206 per night for hotel stops on the 1,232-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $411 - $617.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Billings?

  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 Irvine, CA to Billings, MT

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Irvine, 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 $1,233 and $2,654.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Billings:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,141 - $2,187
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,389 - $2,654
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,882 - $3,808

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Irvine, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $959.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $103 and $206 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Billings?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Irvine 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: Irvine, 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 Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Irvine, CA Billings, MT
Cost of living index16595
Average rent$4,000/mo$1,300/mo
Median home value$1,113,305$310,937
Average income$129,647/yr$71,855/yr
Unemployment rate5.4%4.1%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 6.75%
Walkability score43/10035/100
Safety index68.99/10050.37/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Irvine, CA guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from California to Montana, 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 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,232-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Irvine, CA, to Billings, MT, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,255 - $8,591 on the 1,232-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,348 - $4,352 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $793 - $2,310 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,878 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.

FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Billings, MT

What is the cheapest way to move from Irvine, 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 $911 - $1,802. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($537 - $614), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $206/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Irvine, CA to Billings, MT take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Irvine, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Billings, 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 Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.