($759+) Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $759 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,546 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,553, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,546 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,173 - $4,104, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $759 - $2,079.
- 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 $3,136 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
Moving options from Missoula to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,136 - $7,204 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 51% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,207-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
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: $2,553 for a studio up to $9,546 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,173 - $4,104 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $759 - $2,079, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,079 - $3,419, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,207-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, California, with prices running from $2,553 - $9,546. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $401 - $2,676 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Irvine are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Missoula movers tend to run around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,553 - $5,684
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,136 - $7,204
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,060 - $9,546
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.
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: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $669 - $6,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% 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 coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% 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 items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,338 - $3,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,070 - $4,683 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $401 - $2,007 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $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?
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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Missoula, MT. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,173 and $4,104. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Missoula runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $2,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,528 - $3,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,134 - $4,104
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $100 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $201 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $937 in Missoula, MT, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Irvine, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,173. 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 $1,528 - $3,291.
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:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA
Truck rentals from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, California, range from $759 - $2,079 for the 1,207-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $759 - $1,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $838 - $1,705
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,052 - $2,079
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $759 - $2,079 when pricing out a rental truck from Missoula to Irvine. Fuel alone runs $514 - $587, and overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $514 - $587 for the 1,207-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 Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $937.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,207-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $201 per night, adding $401 - $602 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $401.
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 well suited for larger moves from Missoula, Montana, to Irvine, 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 $1,261 and $2,530.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,079 - $2,043
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,261 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,419
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $937.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $100 - $201 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 Irvine?
- 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: 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 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 quote 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 25 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,207-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,207-mile route from Missoula, MT, to Irvine, CA, run $2,553 - $9,546 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,173 - $4,104, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $759 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,136, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $759 to $9,546, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,553 and $9,546, 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.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Irvine, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Irvine?
For families, Westpark II, Turtle Rock, and Woodbridge are worth a look in Irvine. If you're moving solo or without kids, Westpark, Westpark II, and Oak Creek tend to be popular picks instead.
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.