($753+) Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,288 to $9,147, with an average cost of $3,450. Moves can be as low as $753 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,194 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Lancaster to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,288 - $9,147 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,194 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,194-mile route from Lancaster to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,288 for a studio up to $9,147 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,350 - $4,306 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $745 - $2,188, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,169 - $3,552, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,194-mile move from Lancaster, California, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $1,288 - $9,147. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $427 - $2,848. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Lancaster and Missoula. Local movers in Lancaster typically start around $247 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lancaster to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,288 - $5,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,832 - $6,590
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,505 - $9,147
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 Lancaster to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 95% of Lancaster movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $712 - $7,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready95% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Speedwell Transportation Inc. | $285 - $1,709/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $427 - $3,418 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,424 - $4,272 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,560 - $14,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,067 - $2,026 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Antelope Valley Van & Storage | $1,424 - $3,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type95% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Speedwell Transportation Inc. | $1,139 - $4,984 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling64% of local movers | $427 - $2,136 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect45% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Speedwell Transportation Inc. | $926 - $2,848 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $427 - $21,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $427 - $4,984+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lancaster to Missoula?
- 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Lancaster, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Lancaster, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,350 and $4,306. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Lancaster costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lancaster to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,350 - $2,287
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,723 - $3,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,174 - $4,306
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Lancaster, CA and Missoula, MT. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $997 in Lancaster, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $107 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $214 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,350. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,723 - $3,287, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Lancaster to Missoula?
- 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT
Truck rentals from Lancaster, California, to Missoula, Montana, range from $745 - $2,188 for the 1,194-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $541 - $618
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Lancaster daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $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 Lancaster to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $745 - $1,434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $881 - $1,724
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,066 - $2,188
Pro tip: A rental truck from Lancaster to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $745 - $2,188. But once you factor in fuel ($541 - $618) , overnight lodging ($214/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $214 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Lancaster, California, usually costs about $997 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,194-mile drive falls between $541 and $618, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $71 and $427 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lancaster to Missoula?
- 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 Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Lancaster, California, 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 Missoula, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,272 and $2,738.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lancaster to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,169 - $2,275
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,738
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,902 - $3,552
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $107 - $214 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Lancaster, California, typically costs $997.
What are the best freight companies from Lancaster to Missoula?
- 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.
- Pride Logistics (4.34/5 stars): Pride Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Lancaster, CA vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Lancaster on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Lancaster, CA | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,600/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $400,712 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $76,083/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 54.5/100 | 66.73/100 |
| 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 Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from California to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,194-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,194-mile route from Lancaster, CA, to Missoula, MT, run $1,288 - $9,147 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,350 - $4,306, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $745 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,832, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Lancaster, CA, to Missoula, MT
How do I know a mover is 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).
What are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 29 and 40 in Lancaster. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, compared to 54.5 and 45.5 in Lancaster. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Lancaster, CA to Missoula, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Lancaster movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 95% of movers in Lancaster handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
