When planning a move from California to Montana, professional movers typically run between
$2,606 and $6,352, a moving container averages about
$2,351, and a rental truck is around
$1,302.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Montana?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,126 – $4,738 | $926 – $2,181 | $766 – $1,538 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,606 – $6,352 | $1,624 – $3,078 | $828 – $1,776 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,727 – $8,205 | $2,225 – $4,433 | $1,052 – $2,188 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,126 – $4,738
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,606 – $6,352
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,727 – $8,205
How much do moving containers cost from California to Montana?
- Small move: $926 – $2,181
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,624 – $3,078
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,225 – $4,433
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $766 – $1,538
- 2–3 bedrooms: $828 – $1,776
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,052 – $2,188
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,306-mile move from CA to MT using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to MT?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $974 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $66,341 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Montana?
Rent is about 48% lower in Montana than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $974
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 40% lower in Montana than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $462,631
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 28% lower in Montana than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $66,341
Is the overall cost of living higher in Montana?
The cost of living is 25% lower in Montana than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Montana doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on everyday purchases compared to California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 0.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 49% lower in Montana than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 6.75%
How is daily life different in Montana compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Montana | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,132,812 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58.4-38.5 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 12ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 15″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 49″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 28.43 |
Will Montana feel more crowded than California?
Montana is about 97% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Montana is colder on average (12°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Montana?
Rain: Montana gets less rain (15″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Montana gets more snow (49 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Montana safer than California?
Montana has a lower crime index than California (23.37 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Montana?
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Montana move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Montana moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Montana right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Montana?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Montana moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Montana?
Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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