($803+) Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,211 to $8,976, with an average cost of $3,200. Moves can be as low as $803 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,164 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 Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Fontana to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,211 - $8,976 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 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 1,164 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 1,164-mile route from Fontana to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,211 - $5,407 | $1,339 - $2,385 | $772 - $1,454 | $1,158 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,698 - $6,752 | $1,691 - $3,255 | $843 - $1,677 | $1,273 - $2,551 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,495 - $8,976 | $2,153 - $4,348 | $1,005 - $2,129 | $1,759 - $3,619 |
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 Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,164-mile move from Fontana, California, to Missoula, Montana, with prices running from $1,211 - $8,976. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $350 - $2,332 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Fontana and Missoula are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Fontana movers tend to run around $259 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $5,407
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,698 - $6,752
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,495 - $8,976
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 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 Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Fontana 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 | $583 - $5,830 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $233 - $1,399/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $350 - $2,798 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage44% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% 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: Big Deahl's Movers | $1,166 - $2,915 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $933 - $4,081 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $350 - $1,749 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $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 Fontana to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Fontana, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,339 and $4,348. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Fontana typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,339 - $2,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,691 - $3,255
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,153 - $4,348
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 Fontana, 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 Fontana, CA, and Missoula, 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 $1,339. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,691 - $3,255, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fontana 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 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:
- Big Deahl's Movers (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 10 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT
A rental truck for this 1,164-mile move from Fontana, California, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $772 and $2,129. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $432 - $494
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $772 - $1,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $843 - $1,677
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,005 - $2,129
Pro tip: The base rate of $772 - $2,129 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fontana to Missoula. Fuel ($432 - $494) , lodging at around $175/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $432 - $494 for the 1,164-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 Fontana, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $816.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,164-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $175 per night, adding $350 - $525 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $58 and $350.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana 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 Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Fontana, 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 $1,049 and $2,551.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,158 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,759 - $3,619
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $87 - $175 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Fontana, California, typically costs $816.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana to Missoula?
- 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.
- 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: 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 Missoula 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 Missoula, MT
Good news for your budget: Missoula isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Fontana. Cost of living index runs 113 there against 119 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 37/100 and 68.35/100 here versus 45/100 and 66.73/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Fontana, 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 1,164-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,164-mile route from Fontana, CA, to Missoula, MT, run $1,211 - $8,976 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,339 - $4,348, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $772 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,698, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Missoula, MT
How much does it cost to move from Fontana, CA to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,211 to $8,976, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,211 and $8,976, 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.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 37 and 41 in Fontana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($432 - $494), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $175/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 Fontana, CA to Missoula, 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 percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.