Quick answer: The cost to move from Modesto to Billings ranges from $1,035 to $8,056 and the journey will take approximately two to eight days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,154-mile move on your own.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Billings to Modesto guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Modesto to Billings

Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Modesto to Billings can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.

Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to MT movetoggle

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.

Local moving companies servicing Modesto to Billings moves

When planning a move from Modesto to Billings, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?

We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Modesto who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

These are the best local moving companies for getting from Modesto to Billings.

  1. Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. Casey Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Pete's Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Brewer Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  5. Pack it up Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Moving-Company-122466311129611/, https://twitter.com/gracemovingco?lang=da
92% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company stands out for its fast, friendly, and highly professional crews, making challenging moves less stressful for hundreds of customers. Among 467 reviews, 91.6% praised the team's efficiency, careful handling, and clear communication. Movers consistently arrive on time, protect customer belongings, and deliver quick service without hidden fees, with many feedback reports highlighting friendly, polite, and respectful staff.
Customers often find costs fair or lower than expected, which is uncommon in this industry. Negative input, representing only 7% of reviews, typically notes property damage, missing items, or final costs above estimates. Some reported unresponsiveness during claims or concerns about lost belongings. Neutral feedback usually involves minor quirks like inconsistency among moving team members or delays in follow-up but still describes a generally satisfactory experience. Compared to typical movers, Grace Moving receives a higher rate of glowing endorsements and personal recommendations, solidifying its reputation for reliability and care. Most customers would choose them again.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 821-1520

Company Info

State license #: 0189642

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2806730


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/caseymoving/, https://twitter.com/caseymoving?lang=en
75% of all reviews were positive
25% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving customers trust Casey Moving Systems for their organized team, respectful movers, and great communication throughout the process. The company earns high marks for professional staff, careful packing, and efficiency—traits not always common among moving companies. Many highlighted on-time moves and items arriving undamaged.
Casey's quick scheduling and fair, clear pricing set it apart from competitors known for hidden fees. On the negative side, some customers reported damaged or lost items, delays in delivery, and poor complaint resolution, especially when insurance or claims were involved. Nevertheless, most feedback praised their consistent reliability and stress-free service. Out of sixty-three reviews analyzed, nearly three-quarters were positive, showing a strong record compared to many others in the industry.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 531-9010

Company Info

State license #: 0115405

Years in Business: 23

DOT #: 153088

Alternate Names: Casey Records Management, Dawson Van & Storage, United Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/PetesMovingServices/, https://twitter.com/Petes_Moving_
86% of all reviews were positive
13% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Pete's Moving Services is celebrated by most customers for professional, courteous staff, efficient processes, and careful handling of items. 86% of the 471 customer reviews rated the experience as positive. Clients describe the moving teams as prompt, hardworking, communicative, and friendly—qualities that many say set Pete’s apart from competitors. The moving crews consistently receive praise for caring for belongings and making stressful moves much easier.
On the downside, 13% of feedback cited damaged items, delays in arrival, and issues with packing quality. Some clients experienced broken furniture or items lost due to inadequate packing or rushed jobs. While the majority reported transparent pricing and smooth scheduling, a few were dissatisfied with handling of claims or timely delivery. Compared with other companies, Pete’s stands out for reliability and personable service, but occasional lapses in careful packing or scheduling can impact the experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 442-4949

Company Info

State license #: 0191440

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3314910

Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC, Pete's Moving Services LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BrewerMoving/, https://x.com/BrewerMoving
83% of all reviews were positive
15% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Consistently strong input paints Brewer Moving LLC as a standout choice for professional moving assistance. After assessing 40 reviews, 83% praised the crew's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, prompt communication, swift service, and reasonable pricing. Many reported stress-free moves, highlighting friendly, respectful staff and genuine care for property—qualities that help this mover stand apart from less attentive competitors.
A handful of customers described frustrating experiences, with concerns about damaged or lost items, unprofessional conduct, and lack of timely responses. Isolated cases of communication problems suggest some room for improvement. Brewer Moving LLC attracts glowing recommendations for its reliable, efficient service and courteous team, consistently winning positive feedback from most clients.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 923-3827

Company Info

State license #: 0192036

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 3329727

Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC, J B Moving


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/packitupmovers209/,
96% of all reviews were positive
3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy and professional: Out of 287 feedback entries, 96% praised Pack it up Movers, making them one of the highest-rated in the industry. Customers consistently highlighted the professionalism and courtesy of the team, along with careful handling of belongings and fast, efficient service. Input repeatedly cited prompt communication and reasonable rates as standout features.
Positive remarks often noted that moves were completed ahead of schedule and with items arriving undamaged. On the other hand, a few highlighted issues such as item damage, communication lapses, or sudden extra charges. Compared to other moving services, Pack it up Movers receives notably higher praise for careful handling, but like some competitors, isolated complaints about damage still occur. Most customers recommend them for moves big or small, valuing professionalism and peace of mind.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 566-2331

Company Info

State license #: 0191672

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3054559


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Billings?

Modesto movers charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,550 - $5,948 $1,160 - $2,808 $884 - $1,717
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,286 - $8,056 $1,978 - $3,963 $1,035 - $2,147
4+ bedrooms $5,420 - $10,815 $2,623 - $5,241 $1,312 - $2,667
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,154 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from California to Montana

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Montana will cost between $1,550 and $5,948. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to MT will range from $3,286 to $8,056, and a large move from California to Montana will cost from $5,420 to $10,815.

Cost of moving containers from California to Montana

If you're relocating from California to Montana, you'll typically spend between $1,160 and $2,808 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,978 up to $3,963. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,623 and $5,241. 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

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $884 and $1,717 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,035 to $2,147. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,312 to $2,667.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Billingstoggle

The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Modesto to Billings can be as low as $1,550 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,690.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $884 to $2,370. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Modesto to Billings

Moving from Modesto to Billings means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Modesto than in Billings, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Modesto compares to Billings so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Modesto Billings
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,300
Average home value $442,362 $381,592
Average income (per capita) $67,011 $63,515
Cost of living (single person) $2,312 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,946 $4,536
Unemployment rate 8.0% 4.1%
Sales tax 8.88% 0.0%
State income tax 13.3% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Billings are 28% lower than in Modesto, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Billings.
    Home prices in Billings are 13.7% lower than in Modesto.
  • Income in Billings is 5.2% lower than in Modesto, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Billings — including Billings Clinic, First Interstate BancSystem, and The Waggoners Trucking — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Billings. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23.3% lower than in Modesto.
  • A move to Billings can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 23.7% less than what it costs in Modesto.
  • The unemployment rate in Billings is 48.75% lower than in Modesto.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the city's sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Modesto.
  • One perk of moving to Billings is paying less in state income taxes, which are 49.25% lower than in Modesto.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,300.61 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Modesto.

How life is different in Modesto vs. Billings

Billings Modesto
Population 184,167 218,464
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 35 48
Bike friendliness score 47 48
Crime Index 48.63 65.76
Safety Index 50.37 34.24
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Billings might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 16% less than Modesto.
  • Getting around Billings without a car might be more difficult than in Modesto. Billings has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Modesto is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Billings neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Modesto. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Billings isn't as walkable as Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • Billings and Modesto are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 47 and 48 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Billings has a lower crime rate than Modesto based on scores of 48.63 and Modesto's 65.76, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Billings than in Modesto, based on Billings's safety index of 50.37 versus 34.24 for Modesto. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Billings has better air quality than in Modesto. Billings has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Modesto. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Modesto vs. Billings move

  • Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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 booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Montana doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Billings without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Billings

Now that you've decided to make the move to Magic City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Billings.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Billings
  • South Park
  • Poly Vista
  • North Park
  • Shiloh Crossing

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Josephine Crossing
  • West End
  • Heights
  • Briarwood
  • Ironwood Estates

Things to do in Billings

Now that you've made the move to Montana it's the perfect time to explore Billings From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Billings features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone County Museum, and Wise Wonders Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Modesto to Billings?

The best time to move from Modesto to Billings is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.

When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Billings?

With many people choosing to move from Modesto to Billings in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Modesto to Billings take?

The 1,154-mile move from Modesto, CA, to Billings, MT, takes two to eight days. Some Modesto movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.

Helpful moving resources