($754+) Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $754 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,022 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,251 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,515, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,022 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,206 - $4,364, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $754 - $2,215.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,348 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 Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Billings to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,348 - $7,429 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 52% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,251-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,251-mile route from Billings to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,515 - $5,711 with full-service movers, $1,206 - $2,383 with a container, $754 - $1,482 with a rental truck, or $1,188 - $2,102 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,348 - $7,429 full-service, $1,620 - $3,127 by container, $822 - $1,816 by rental truck, or $1,244 - $2,528 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,184 - $10,022 full-service, $2,195 - $4,364 by container, $1,077 - $2,215 by rental truck, or $1,827 - $3,594 by freight.
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 Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA
For the 1,251-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, California, full-service movers cost between $2,515 and $10,022. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $365 - $2,436 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Billings generally start around $259 plus $105 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,515 - $5,711
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,348 - $7,429
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,184 - $10,022
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 Long Beach.
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 Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Long Beach, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $609 - $6,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $244 - $1,462/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $365 - $2,923 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,218 - $3,654 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,045 - $12,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $912 - $1,733 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,218 - $3,045 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $974 - $4,263 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $365 - $1,827 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $792 - $2,436 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $365 - $18,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $365 - $4,263+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Long Beach?
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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Billings, 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 Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,206 and $4,364. 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 Billings runs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,206 - $2,383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,620 - $3,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,195 - $4,364
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 $853 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 $91 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $183 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 Long Beach, 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 $1,206. 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 $1,620 - $3,127.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Long Beach?
- 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:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA
A rental truck for this 1,251-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, California, costs between $754 and $2,215. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $485 - $554
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $24
- 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 Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $754 - $1,482
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $822 - $1,816
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,077 - $2,215
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $754 - $2,215 when pricing out a rental truck from Billings to Long Beach. Fuel alone runs $485 - $554, and overnight lodging ($183/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $183 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 $853 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,251-mile drive falls between $485 and $554, 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 $61 and $365 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Long Beach?
- 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 Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, 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 $1,244 and $2,528.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,188 - $2,102
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,528
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,827 - $3,594
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $91 - $183 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Billings, Montana, typically costs $853.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Long Beach?
- 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: Billings, MT vs Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 41.42/100 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA to Billings, 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 1,251-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,251-mile route from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA, run $2,515 - $10,022 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,206 - $4,364, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $754 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,348, 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 UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Long Beach, 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 $822 - $1,816. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Long Beach?
For families, Bixby Village, Los Altos, and Wrigley Heights are worth a look in Long Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, Belmont Shore, Recreation Park, and Carroll Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 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 do local movers charge in Billings?
Local movers based in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $105/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 Long Beach run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Billings, MT to Long Beach, 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 percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.