($799+) Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $791 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,411 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,666, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,411 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,386 - $4,490, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $791 - $2,394.
- 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 $3,245 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Billings to Long Beach: 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 $3,245 - $7,483. 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 1,251 miles, expect 3 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 1,251-mile route from Billings to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,666 - $5,872 with full-service movers, $1,386 - $2,353 with a container, $791 - $1,650 with a rental truck, or $1,139 - $2,274 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,245 - $7,483 full-service, $1,769 - $3,350 by container, $916 - $1,850 by rental truck, or $1,332 - $2,625 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,017 - $10,411 full-service, $2,281 - $4,490 by container, $1,108 - $2,394 by rental truck, or $1,825 - $3,481 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 Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,251-mile relocation from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, California, cost between $2,666 and $10,411. 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 $365 - $2,436, 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 Billings typically charge a base rate 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: $2,666 - $5,872
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,245 - $7,483
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,017 - $10,411
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.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 60% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Long Beach, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $609 - $6,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers85% 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 lbs40% of local movers | $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 items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $1,218 - $3,045 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $974 - $4,263 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $365 - $1,827 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Billings, 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 Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,386 and $4,490. 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: $1,386 - $2,353
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,769 - $3,350
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,281 - $4,490
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $91 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $183 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Long Beach, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $853 in Billings, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,386. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,769 - $3,350, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- 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 Long Beach, CA
Truck rentals from Billings, Montana, to Long Beach, California, range from $791 - $2,394 for the 1,251-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $791 - $1,650
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $916 - $1,850
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,108 - $2,394
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $791 - $2,394 does not include fuel ($485 - $554) , lodging ($183/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Billings to Long Beach typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $853.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $485 - $554 for the 1,251-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $73 and $396, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $183 per night for hotel stops on the 1,251-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $365 - $548.
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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,332 and $2,625.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $2,274
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,332 - $2,625
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,825 - $3,481
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $853.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $91 and $183 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Billings to Long Beach, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from Montana to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 11 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,251-mile move.
Our take
The 1,251-mile move from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA, costs between $2,666 and $10,411 with full-service movers, $1,386 - $4,490 with a moving container, and $791 - $2,394 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 $3,245 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 UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Long Beach, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Long Beach, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($485 - $554), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $183/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 $916 - $1,850. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,666 to $10,411, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,666 and $10,411, 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 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.
