($744+) Billings, MT to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $744 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 1,201 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 $2,478, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,546 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,284 - $4,274, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $744 - $2,183.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,074 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 Ontario, CA
Moving options from Billings to Ontario fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,074 - $7,646 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 47% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,201-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 1,201-mile route from Billings to Ontario, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,478 - $5,454 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,284 - $2,315), rental truck ($744 - $1,377), or freight trailer ($1,168 - $2,125). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,074 - $7,646 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,546.
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 Ontario, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, California, costs between $2,478 and $9,546. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,201-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $314 - $2,092, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Billings and Ontario. For a rough baseline, movers based in Billings tend to start around $259 plus $105/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,478 - $5,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,074 - $7,646
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,593 - $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 Billings to Ontario.
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 Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Ontario?
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 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 Ontario, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,284 and $4,274. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Ontario. If you go over that window, storage in Billings adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,284 - $2,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,156 - $4,274
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $157 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Ontario, 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 $732 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 $1,284. 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 $1,640 - $3,354.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,201-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, California, costs between $744 and $2,183, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $400 - $457
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,377
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $830 - $1,773
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,073 - $2,183
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Billings to Ontario starts at $744 - $2,183, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($400 - $457), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $732.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $400 - $457 for the 1,201-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 $63 and $340, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night for hotel stops on the 1,201-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $314 - $471.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, 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 $941 and $2,530.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,168 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,261 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,759 - $3,520
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Billings, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $732.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 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 Billings to Ontario?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Billings to Ontario. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Ontario, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ontario, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Ontario, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,619/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $564,076 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $82,806/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 49.75/100 |
| 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 Ontario, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote 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 25 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,201-mile move.
Our take
A move from Billings, MT, to Ontario, 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 $2,478 - $9,546 on the 1,201-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,284 - $4,274, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $744 - $2,183. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,074 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 Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Ontario?
For families, Creekside, Parkview, and Ontario Ranch are worth a look in Ontario. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Ontario, Piemonte, and Ontario Ranch tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Ontario, 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 $830 - $1,773. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Ontario a safe place to live?
Ontario has a safety index of 49.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.25, compared to 50.37 and 48.63 in Billings. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT to Ontario, 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.
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.