($1,446) Cost of Moving From California to Montana
Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Montana ranges from $1,030 to $8,395 and takes three–eight days. The biggest cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Montana to California guide.
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The best California to Montana full-service movers
Planning a move from California to Montana? With endless movers to choose from, finding the right company can be stressful. We've made it easier by researching reviews, comparing pricing, and exploring services, so you can easily find the best interstate moving companies for your big move.
Start your move from California to Montana with these top-rated long-distance movers in California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in California, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Republic Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3369820
Years in Business: 31
8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3369820
- State license #: 0190491
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Lovejoy's Family Moving
- Republic Relocation Services
Local Associations
All Star Movers & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2971368
Years in Business: 10
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2971368
- State license #: 0191302
Air 1 Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 22
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
The best California to Montana moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Montana.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best California to Montana moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from California to Montana, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Montana labor-only movers
Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.
When you’re getting ready to move from California to Montana, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to MT move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from California to Montana?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Montana, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,446 - $6,204 | $1,131 - $2,857 | $1,014 - $1,841 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,381 - $8,395 | $1,961 - $3,952 | $1,030 - $2,349 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,129 - $10,425 | $2,745 - $5,748 | $1,351 - $2,643 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,307 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from California to Montana
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Montana typically costs between $1,446 and $6,204. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,381 and $8,395 when moving from CA to MT. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Montana, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,129 up to $10,425.
Cost of moving containers from California to Montana
If you’re relocating from California to Montana, you’ll typically spend between $1,131 and $2,857 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,961 up to $3,952. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,745 and $5,748. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Montana
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,014 to $1,841. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,030 to $2,349, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Montana costs around $1,351 to $2,643.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to MT
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from California to Montana. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
- Move size: Moving a bigger home is pricier than relocating a small studio.
- Time of year: Rates usually go up during the summer, which is peak moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional mover: You’ll save money moving yourself, but hiring professionals means less hassle and no heavy lifting for you.
What to know before moving from CA to MT
If you’re moving to Montana from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Montana
Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in California and Montana. This simple side-by-side overview highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, so you can see how your budget might change. Take a look at how these two states measure up when it comes to the essentials that impact your cost of living:
| California | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $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% |
- Rent in Montana is around 48% less than in California, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
- Good news for your budget—home prices in Montana are roughly 40% less than in California, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
- Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Montana are roughly 28% lower than in California.
- Living in Montana is about 25% cheaper than California. That means big savings for you, but it's still important to plan your move carefully.
- With an unemployment rate around 39% lower than California, Montana offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
- Sales tax in Montana is 100% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Montana can really help cut down your living expenses.
- Income taxes in Montana are 49% lower than in California. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Montana vs. California
Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in Montana compared to California across a few key lifestyle factors:
| 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 |
- The population of Montana is approximately 97% lower than the population of California. Moving to a less populous state can offer affordability, space, and simplicity, but may also require adjusting to limited services or slower job growth.
- In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
- During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches about 12ºF and California only gets down to 59ºF. Moving to Montana with its colder winters means you need to prepare for higher heating costs, possible lifestyle shifts, and more intense weather, but it can also offer unique seasonal experiences and beauty.
- You can expect only about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Montana versus 22 inches of rainfall in California. Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
- In Montana, it snows about 49 inches annually while California gets only about 7 inches of snow. With the additional snowm you'll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Montana has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 23.37 vs. 28.43. A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it's not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Montana
There’s something exciting about a fresh start. Here’s a quick look at how life in Montana stacks up against California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Montana |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Unmatched natural beauty |
| Pleasant weather | Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
| Abundant recreational options | Ample economic opportunity |
| High quality of life | Delicious unique cuisine |
| Fresh and healthy foods | No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Montana
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from California to Montana, keep these tips in mind.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Montana |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Dangerous wildlife |
| Heavy tax burdens | Remote lifestyle |
| Natural disasters | Touristy |
| Terrible traffic | Lacking in urban amenities |
| Strange laws | Challenging weather |
Other things to consider for your California to Montana move
- Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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). Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Montana
Get ready to discover Montana. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Montana?
Choosing a full-service California moving company may cost more upfront, but it takes a huge load off your shoulders by handling all the details. If you’d rather save some cash, you can rent a moving truck or go with a moving container. Just be ready to handle more of the work yourself. Looking for even more ways to stretch your moving budget? Don’t miss our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from California to Montana?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or, if you prefer, you can arrange vehicle transport from California to Montana on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Montana?
More and more folks are relocating from California to Montana to enjoy all the perks that come with living in Montana, such as: unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Montana?
Living in Montana usually costs less than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Montana, with average rent about 48% less and home prices 40.0% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Montana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?
If you’re planning to live solo in Montana, a comfortable income is around $61,348. Expect your monthly living costs to be about $1,892 on your own, or $5,184 for a family of four. Keep in mind, your expenses will depend on exactly where you settle down. Major cities like Billings and Missoula typically have steeper housing prices than smaller towns.
