($752+) Missoula, MT to Anaheim, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Anaheim, CA, runs anywhere from $752 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,242 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,203 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 $2,453, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,242 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,186 - $4,443, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $752 - $1,975.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, CA
Moving options from Missoula to Anaheim fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,136 - $7,646 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 48% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 75% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,203 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,203-mile route from Missoula to Anaheim, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,453 - $5,684 with full-service movers, $1,186 - $2,247 with a container, $752 - $1,492 with a rental truck, or $1,123 - $2,146 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,136 - $7,646 full-service, $1,624 - $3,067 by container, $797 - $1,756 by rental truck, or $1,287 - $2,453 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,273 - $10,242 full-service, $2,263 - $4,443 by container, $1,052 - $1,975 by rental truck, or $1,690 - $3,554 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 Missoula, MT to Anaheim, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,203-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Anaheim, California, with costs ranging from $2,453 - $10,242. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $401 - $2,676. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Missoula and Anaheim. Local movers in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,453 - $5,684
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,136 - $7,646
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,273 - $10,242
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 Anaheim.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Anaheim, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Anaheim, 54% 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 Anaheim?
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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Missoula, MT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Anaheim, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Anaheim, California, cost between $1,186 and $4,443. 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 Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,186 - $2,247
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,624 - $3,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,263 - $4,443
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $100 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $201 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Anaheim, 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 $937 in Missoula, 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.
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 $1,186. 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 $1,624 - $3,067.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Anaheim?
- 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 Anaheim, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,203 miles from Missoula, Montana, to Anaheim, California, running $752 - $1,975. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $512 - $585
- 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 Anaheim based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $752 - $1,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $797 - $1,756
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,052 - $1,975
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Anaheim looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $752 - $1,975. But once you factor in fuel ($512 - $585), overnight lodging ($201/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $512 - $585 for the 1,203-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 1,203-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 Anaheim?
- 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 Anaheim, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Missoula, Montana, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Anaheim, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,287 and $2,453.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,123 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,453
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,554
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?
- 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 Missoula, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $937.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $100 and $201 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Anaheim?
- 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula to Anaheim. 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: Missoula, MT vs Anaheim, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Anaheim, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Anaheim, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,550/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $769,966 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $90,583/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 56/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 46.82/100 |
| 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 Anaheim, 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 1,203-mile move.
Our take
The 1,203-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Anaheim, CA, costs between $2,453 and $10,242 with full-service movers, $1,186 - $4,443 with a moving container, and $752 - $1,975 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 $3,136 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 PacSun and Firmenich.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Anaheim, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Missoula, MT to Anaheim, 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 Missoula, MT to Anaheim, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($512 - $585), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $201/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Anaheim, 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 $797 - $1,756. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Anaheim, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $752 to $10,242, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,453 and $10,242, 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 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.