($733+) Billings, MT to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $772 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,249 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,152 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 $2,772, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,249 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,326 - $4,480, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $772 - $2,193.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,338 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 Modesto, CA
Moving options from Billings to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,338 - $7,403 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,152 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 1,152-mile route from Billings to Modesto, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,772 - $6,301 with full-service movers, $1,326 - $2,432 with a container, $772 - $1,439 with a rental truck, or $1,204 - $2,081 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,338 - $7,403 full-service, $1,625 - $3,388 by container, $876 - $1,712 by rental truck, or $1,392 - $2,658 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,785 - $10,249 full-service, $2,266 - $4,480 by container, $1,089 - $2,193 by rental truck, or $1,885 - $3,408 by freight.
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 Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,152-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, California, with prices running from $2,772 - $10,249. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $310 - $2,068 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Billings and Modesto are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Billings movers tend to run around $259 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,772 - $6,301
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,338 - $7,403
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,785 - $10,249
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 Modesto.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 60% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $517 - $5,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $207 - $1,241/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,482 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,034 - $3,102 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,585 - $10,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $774 - $1,471 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $1,034 - $2,585 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $827 - $3,619 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $310 - $1,551 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $672 - $2,068 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,619+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Modesto?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,326 and $4,480. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Modesto. If you go over that window, storage in Billings adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,326 - $2,432
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,388
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,266 - $4,480
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 $724 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $155 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 Modesto, 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 $1,326. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,625 - $3,388, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Modesto?
- 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:
- Aaron's Back Company (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Baker Transfer & Storage (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
A rental truck for this 1,152-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, California, costs between $772 and $2,193. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $379 - $433
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $772 - $1,439
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $876 - $1,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,089 - $2,193
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $772 - $2,193 does not include fuel ($379 - $433) , lodging ($155/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Billings to Modesto typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 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 Billings, Montana, usually costs about $724 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,152-mile drive falls between $379 and $433, 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 $52 and $310 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Modesto?
- 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 Modesto, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,392 and $2,658.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,204 - $2,081
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,885 - $3,408
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $78 and $155.
- 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 $724.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Modesto?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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 Modesto 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: Billings, MT vs Modesto, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 34.24/100 |
| 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 Modesto, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Montana to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 11 movers based in Montana, handy for sizing up options on this 1,152-mile route.
Our take
The 1,152-mile move from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA, costs between $2,772 and $10,249 with full-service movers, $1,326 - $4,480 with a moving container, and $772 - $2,193 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 $3,338 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 Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Modesto a safe place to live?
Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, 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 Modesto, 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 $876 - $1,712. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
