($725+) Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $725 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,633 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 $2,584, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,633 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,209 - $4,319, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $725 - $2,115.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,067 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Billings to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,067 - $7,390 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 48% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 74% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,235 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,235-mile route from Billings to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,584 - $5,582 with full-service movers, $1,209 - $2,407 with a container, $725 - $1,487 with a rental truck, or $1,099 - $2,000 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,067 - $7,390 full-service, $1,605 - $3,355 by container, $809 - $1,717 by rental truck, or $1,245 - $2,684 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,122 - $9,633 full-service, $2,262 - $4,319 by container, $1,081 - $2,115 by rental truck, or $1,828 - $3,557 by freight.
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 Ana, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $2,584 and $9,633. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,235-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $369 - $2,460, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Billings and Santa Ana. For a rough baseline, movers based in Billings tend to start around $259 plus $105/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,584 - $5,582
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,067 - $7,390
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,122 - $9,633
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 Ana.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Ana, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $615 - $6,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $246 - $1,476/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $369 - $2,952 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,230 - $3,690 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,075 - $12,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $921 - $1,750 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,230 - $3,075 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $984 - $4,305 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $369 - $1,845 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $800 - $2,460 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $369 - $18,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $369 - $4,305+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Santa Ana?
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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Billings, MT. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,209 and $4,319. 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 Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,209 - $2,407
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,355
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,262 - $4,319
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 $861 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 $92 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $185 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 Ana, 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 $1,209. 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 $1,605 - $3,355.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Santa Ana?
- 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 Ana, CA
Truck rentals from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California, range from $725 - $2,115 for the 1,235-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $483 - $552
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $725 - $1,487
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $809 - $1,717
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,081 - $2,115
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Billings to Santa Ana starts at $725 - $2,115, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($483 - $552), overnight lodging ($185/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $483 - $552 for the 1,235-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 Billings, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $861.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,235-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $185 per night, adding $369 - $554 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $62 and $369.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Santa Ana?
- 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 Ana, CA
For larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Santa Ana, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,245 and $2,684.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,099 - $2,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,245 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,828 - $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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $92 and $185.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for roughly five hours typically average $861.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Santa Ana?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Santa Ana fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 45.83/100 |
| 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 Ana, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Montana to California 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 25 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,235-mile move.
Our take
The 1,235-mile move from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA, costs between $2,584 and $9,633 with full-service movers, $1,209 - $4,319 with a moving container, and $725 - $2,115 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,067 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana?
For families, Meredith Parkwood, Fairbridge Square, and West Grove Valley are worth a look in Santa Ana. If you're moving solo or without kids, Fairbridge Square, South Coast, and Park Santiago tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What do local movers charge in Billings?
Local movers based in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $105/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Santa Ana run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $725 to $9,633, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,584 and $9,633, 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 percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.