The best local movers for Santa Ana to Billings moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Santa Ana that also handles long-distance moves to Billings. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 93 local movers in Santa Ana who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Santa Ana to Billings.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Billings?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,171 – $5,043 | $923 – $2,306 | $756 – $1,385 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,742 – $6,407 | $1,541 – $3,129 | $793 – $1,734 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,445 – $8,529 | $2,262 – $4,062 | $1,050 – $2,115 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Billings
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Billings will cost between $1,171 and $5,043. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Santa Ana will range from $2,742 to $6,407, and a large move from Santa Ana to Billings will cost from $4,445 to $8,529.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Billings
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Billings, expect to pay between $923 and $2,306 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,541 up to $3,129. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,262 and $4,062. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Billings
Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Billings is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $756 and $1,385. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $793 and $1,734. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,050 up to $2,115 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Billings
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,397, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,653.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($756–$1,838) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Billings
Many movers find Billings easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 72% less for singles and 59% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,773 for one person in Billings versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $4,536 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.75% |
- If you’re heading to Billings from Santa Ana, you’ll find that rent is roughly 51% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 55% less in Billings than in Santa Ana.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 18% lower in Billings compared to Santa Ana.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Billings. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 72% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Choosing to move to Billings can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 59% less than in Santa Ana.
- Billings enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 41% lower compared to Santa Ana, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Billings has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Santa Ana. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 49% less in Montana than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Santa Ana and Billings:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Billings.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Billings.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Billings.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Billings.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Billings.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Billings
| Santa Ana | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 47 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Billings’s population is about 41% less than Santa Ana.
- Billings’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Billings is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- Billings has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Billings’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 48.63 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Billings is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 50.37 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Billings move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Montana doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Billings. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Billings
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Magic City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Billings.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Billings
- South Park
- Poly Vista
- North Park
- Shiloh Crossing
Best neighborhoods for families
- Josephine Crossing
- West End
- Heights
- Briarwood
- Ironwood Estates
Things to do in Billings
Once you’re settled into your new home in Montana, it’s time to get out and discover what Billings has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Billings, such as the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, and Yellowstone County Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Billings?
The best time to move from Santa Ana to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Billings?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Ana to Billings, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Billings take?
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Billings, covers 1,232 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Santa Ana movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Billings.
Which movers in Santa Ana give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Santa Ana?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 73 movers in Santa Ana advertise piano moving expertise. 60 movers in Santa Ana provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Montana car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!