($762+) Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $762 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,953 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,176 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 $2,522, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,953 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,212 - $4,020, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $762 - $1,941.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,956 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 Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA
Moving options from Missoula to Riverside fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,956 - $7,532 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 48% 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 1,176 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 1,176-mile route from Missoula to Riverside, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,522 - $5,900 | $1,212 - $2,271 | $762 - $1,452 | $1,146 - $1,962 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,956 - $7,532 | $1,546 - $3,258 | $807 - $1,626 | $1,250 - $2,532 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,262 - $9,953 | $2,178 - $4,020 | $995 - $1,941 | $1,657 - $3,249 |
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 Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Missoula, Montana, to Riverside, California, costs between $2,522 and $9,953. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,176-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $361 - $2,404, 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 Missoula and Riverside. For a rough baseline, movers based in Missoula tend to start around $342 plus $150/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 Missoula to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,522 - $5,900
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,956 - $7,532
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,262 - $9,953
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 Missoula to Riverside.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $601 - $6,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $240 - $1,442/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $361 - $2,885 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,202 - $3,606 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,005 - $12,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $900 - $1,710 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,202 - $3,005 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $962 - $4,207 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $361 - $1,803 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $781 - $2,404 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $361 - $18,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $361 - $4,207+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Riverside?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Missoula, MT. 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 Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,212 and $4,020. 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 Missoula typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,212 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,546 - $3,258
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,178 - $4,020
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 $841 in Missoula, 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 $90 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $180 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 Riverside, 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 $1,212. 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 $1,546 - $3,258.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Riverside?
- 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA
A rental truck for this 1,176-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Riverside, California, costs between $762 and $1,941. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $450 - $514
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
| 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 Missoula to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $762 - $1,452
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $807 - $1,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $995 - $1,941
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $762 - $1,941 does not include fuel ($450 - $514), lodging ($180/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Missoula to Riverside 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $180 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Missoula, Montana, usually costs about $841 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,176-mile drive falls between $450 and $514, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $60 and $361 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Riverside?
- 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 Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Missoula, Montana, to Riverside, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,250 and $2,532.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $1,962
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,250 - $2,532
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,657 - $3,249
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $841.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $90 - $180 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Riverside?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 59.76/100 |
| 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 Riverside, CA to Missoula, 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 1,176-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Missoula, MT, to Riverside, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,522 for a studio to $9,953 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,176-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,212 - $4,020. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $762 - $1,941, 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 $2,956 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 Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Riverside, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($450 - $514), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $180/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Riverside, 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 $807 - $1,626. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $762 to $9,953, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,522 and $9,953, 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 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.
What do local movers charge in Missoula?
Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Riverside run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.