($773+) Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $837 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,859 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,207 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 $2,548, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,859 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,349 - $4,486, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $837 - $2,094.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,492 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 Irvine, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Irvine: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,492 - $8,106. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,207 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,207-mile route from Missoula to Irvine, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,548 for a studio up to $10,859 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,349 - $4,486 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $837 - $2,094, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,191 - $3,660, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,207-mile relocation from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, California, cost between $2,548 and $10,859. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $401 - $2,676, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Missoula typically charge a base rate around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,548 - $5,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,492 - $8,106
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,647 - $10,859
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 Irvine.
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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $268 - $1,606/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,211 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,338 - $4,014 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,345 - $13,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,002 - $1,904 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $870 - $2,676 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,683+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Irvine?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Missoula, MT. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,349 and $4,486. 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 Missoula typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,349 - $2,503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,722 - $3,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,354 - $4,486
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Missoula, MT and Irvine, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $937 in Missoula, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $100 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $201 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,349. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,722 - $3,286, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Irvine?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- All Lanes Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,207 miles from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, California, running $837 - $2,094. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $514 - $587
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,475
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $854 - $1,862
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,040 - $2,094
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Irvine looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $837 - $2,094. But once you factor in fuel ($514 - $587) , overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $201 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 $937 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,207-mile drive falls between $514 and $587, 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 $67 and $401 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Irvine?
- 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 Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, 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 $1,204 and $2,710.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $2,166
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,391 - $2,710
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,847 - $3,660
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $100 - $201 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about five hours typically runs $937.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Irvine?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine 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: Missoula, MT vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Irvine, CA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from Montana to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 11 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,207-mile move.
Our take
A move from Missoula, MT, to Irvine, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,548 - $10,859 on the 1,207-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,349 - $4,486, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $837 - $2,094. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,492 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Irvine, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($514 - $587), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $201/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Irvine?
Irvine has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 69, compared to 45 and 60 in Missoula. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,548 to $10,859, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,548 and $10,859, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 Irvine 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 100% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.
