($802+) Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Santa Clarita, CA, runs anywhere from $802 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,536 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,235 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,409, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,536 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,259 - $4,233, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $802 - $2,051.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Santa Clarita, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,257 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving options from Billings to Santa Clarita fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,257 - $7,095 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 50% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 73% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,235 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,235-mile route from Billings to Santa Clarita, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,409 - $5,870 | $1,259 - $2,292 | $802 - $1,400 | $1,121 - $2,062 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,257 - $7,095 | $1,621 - $3,129 | $867 - $1,803 | $1,258 - $2,684 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,445 - $10,536 | $2,284 - $4,233 | $998 - $2,051 | $1,688 - $3,557 |
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 Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA
For the 1,235-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Santa Clarita, California, full-service movers cost between $2,409 and $10,536. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $365 - $2,436 (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 Billings generally start around $259 plus $105 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,409 - $5,870
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,257 - $7,095
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,445 - $10,536
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 Billings to Santa Clarita.
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 Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Clarita, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $609 - $6,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $244 - $1,462/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $365 - $2,923 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,218 - $3,654 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,045 - $12,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $912 - $1,733 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,218 - $3,045 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $974 - $4,263 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $365 - $1,827 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $792 - $2,436 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $365 - $18,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $365 - $4,263+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Santa Clarita?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Billings, MT, 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 Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $1,259 and $4,233. 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 Billings typically runs around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,259 - $2,292
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,621 - $3,129
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,284 - $4,233
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 $853 in Billings, MT. 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 $91 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $183 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 Santa Clarita, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Montana to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,259. 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 $1,621 - $3,129.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Billings 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 Billings:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA
Plan on $802 - $2,051 for a rental moving truck on the 1,235-mile route from Billings, Montana, to Santa Clarita, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $479 - $547
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $24
- Billings daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.89
| 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 Billings to Santa Clarita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $802 - $1,400
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $867 - $1,803
- 4+ bedrooms: $998 - $2,051
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $802 - $2,051 does not include fuel ($479 - $547), lodging ($183/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Billings to Santa Clarita 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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $853.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $479 - $547 for the 1,235-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 $73 and $396, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $183 per night for hotel stops on the 1,235-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $365 - $548.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, to Santa Clarita, California. 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 $1,096 and $2,684.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,121 - $2,062
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,258 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,557
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?
- 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 Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $853.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $91 and $183 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Santa Clarita?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Billings to Santa Clarita, 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: Billings, MT vs Santa Clarita, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Clarita, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Santa Clarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $3,295/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $722,430 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $119,926/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 9.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 64.08/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Montana to California, 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. Montana alone has 25 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,235-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Billings, MT, to Santa Clarita, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,409 for a studio to $10,536 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,235-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,259 - $4,233. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $802 - $2,051, 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 $3,257 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 Princess Cruises and Wesco Aircraft.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Santa Clarita, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA?
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 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.
Is Santa Clarita a safe place to live?
Santa Clarita has a safety index of 64.08 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.92, compared to 50.37 and 48.63 in Billings. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA?
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 $867 - $1,803. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Clarita?
For families, Valencia, Saugus, and Stevenson Ranch are worth a look in Santa Clarita. If you're moving solo or without kids, Valencia, Newhall, and Canyon Country tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.