Billings, MT to Irvine, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Billings to Irvine typically costs $3,500–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,235 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Billings to Irvine

Moving from Billings, MT to Irvine, CA typically costs $3,500–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,235-mile move from Billings to Irvine, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,800 - $6,800
  • Moving Container $1,400 - $2,700
  • Rental Truck $900 - $1,700
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,500 - $8,100
  • Moving Container $1,800 - $3,700
  • Rental Truck $1,000 - $2,100
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $5,900 - $11,400
  • Moving Container $2,600 - $4,700
  • Rental Truck $1,200 - $2,300

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,152 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
1-800-Pack-Rat
Billings, MT East San Gabriel, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 10, 2025

Major factors affecting moving costs from Billings to Irvine

Your total cost will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Billings to Irvine might be as low as $2,800, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,400.
  • When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Billings.
  • DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $900 to $2,300 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Irvine, CA to Billings, MT guide.

Best Billings to Irvine movers by type

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Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Billings to Irvine

When it comes to handling your interstate move from Billings to Irvine, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best MT→CA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 12 Montana movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Billings to Irvine

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Irvine runs about 417% higher for singles and 297% higher for families than Billings.

Singles spend around $9,167 in Irvine versus $1,773 in Billings; families pay $18,000 compared with $4,536.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Billings Irvine
Average 1 BR rent $1,150 $2,719
Average 3 BR rent $2,125 $4,575
Average home value $381,592 $1,561,760
Average income (per capita) $63,515 $114,027
Cost of living (single) $1,773 $9,167
Cost of living (family of four) $4,536 $18,000
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.4%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.75%
State income tax 6.75% 13.3%
  • Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 208% higher in Irvine than in Billings, which may impact your monthly finances.
  • A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 309% higher in Irvine than in Billings.
  • Exciting news here, the average income is about 80% higher in Irvine than in Billings, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
  • Anticipate increased living expenses in Irvine, as the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 417% greater than in Billings. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
  • As you plan your move to Irvine, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 297% more than it is in Billings.
  • The unemployment rate in Irvine exceeds that of Billings by about 32%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
  • Irvine has a sales tax, while Billings does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
  • Income taxes are 97% higher in California than in Montana. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Billings and Irvine, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense Billings Irvine
Basic utilities $187.19 $200.96
Cell phone plan $49.20 $54.33
Dozen eggs $3.10 $4.50
Loaf of bread $4.33 $4.59
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $20.00 $25.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60.00 $100.00
Gym membership $48.33 $54.17
  • Basic utilities cost less in Billings than in Irvine, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Billings than in Irvine.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Billings than in Irvine.
  • Bread costs less in Billings than in Irvine.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Billings than in Irvine.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Billings than in Irvine.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Billings than in Irvine.

How life is different in Billings vs. Irvine

Billings Irvine
Population 184,167 307,670
Transportation score 3 4
Walkability score 35 43
Bike friendliness score 47 69
Crime index 48.63 31.01
Safety index 50.37 68.99
Air quality Good Good
  • Irvine's population is about 67% greater than Billings.
  • Irvine's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is higher than Billings's score of 3.
  • Irvine is more walkable than Billings with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Billings's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Irvine is more bike-friendly than Billings, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Irvine's crime rate is lower than Billings with a score of 31.01 compared to Billings's 48.63. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63%.
  • Irvine is considered to be safer than Billings with a safety index of 68.99 vs Billings's 50.37.
  • Air quality in Irvine is Good, and in Billings it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Billings to Irvine move

  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
  • State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Irvine without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Irvine

Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Irvine.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Westpark
  • Westpark II
  • Oak Creek
  • Woodbridge
  • University Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Westpark II
  • Turtle Rock
  • Woodbridge
  • South Irvine
  • Northwood Point

Things to do in Irvine

Now that you've made the move to California, it's the perfect time to explore Irvine. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Irvine include museums and art centers like the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
  • Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)Adult Basketball LeaguesAdult Soccer LeaguesAdult Softball LeaguesTennis LeagueSand Volleyball LeagueKickball League game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Billings to Irvine?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Billings to Irvine. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Billings.

When is the cheapest time to move from Billings to Irvine?

With many people choosing to move from Billings to Irvine in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Billings to Irvine take?

Covering 1,235 miles, the move from Billings, MT to Irvine, CA typically takes two to eight days. Some Billings movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Irvine can help bridge the gap.

How many movers in Billings can handle specialty items for my move to Irvine?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Billings, 3 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MT, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.