($779+) Modesto, CA to Billings, MT Movers

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The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,198 to $9,064, with an average cost of $3,300. Moves can be as low as $779 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,150 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.

Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT

Moving options from Modesto to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,198 - $9,064 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,300, 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 1,150 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 1,150-mile route from Modesto to Billings, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,198 - $4,944 $1,352 - $2,409 $787 - $1,498 $1,216 - $2,038
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,754 - $6,293 $1,741 - $3,255 $876 - $1,799 $1,273 - $2,790
4+ bedrooms $4,449 - $9,064 $2,153 - $4,480 $995 - $2,193 $1,813 - $3,373

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT

For the 1,150-mile move from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana, full-service movers cost between $1,198 and $9,064. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $323 - $2,152 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Modesto generally start around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Billings:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,198 - $4,944
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,754 - $6,293
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,449 - $9,064

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 Modesto to Billings.

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.

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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT

Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Billings, 60% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$538 - $5,380
Storage in transitNew place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services$215 - $1,291/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$323 - $2,582
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers$1,076 - $3,228
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,690 - $10,760
Car shippingSecond vehicle$806 - $1,531
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$1,076 - $2,690
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$861 - $3,766
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers$323 - $1,614
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company$699 - $2,152
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$323 - $16,140+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$323 - $3,766+

What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Billings?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Modesto, CA. 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 Modesto, CA to Billings, MT

Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,352 and $4,480. 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 Modesto runs about $120/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Billings:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,352 - $2,409
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,741 - $3,255
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,153 - $4,480

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Modesto, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $753, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $81 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $161 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Modesto, CA, and Billings, MT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

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 $1,352. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,741 - $3,255, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Modesto to Billings?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:

  • Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
  • MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
  • Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT

A rental truck for this 1,150-mile move from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $787 and $2,193. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $394 - $450
  • Daily insurance: $32/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Billings based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $787 - $1,498
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $876 - $1,799
  • 4+ bedrooms: $995 - $2,193

Pro tip: The base rate of $787 - $2,193 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Modesto to Billings. Fuel ($394 - $450) , lodging at around $161/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $753.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $394 - $450 for the 1,150-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $65 and $350, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $161 per night for hotel stops on the 1,150-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $323 - $484.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Billings?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Modesto, CA to Billings, MT

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Modesto, California, to Billings, Montana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,273 and $2,790.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Billings:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,216 - $2,038
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,790
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,813 - $3,373

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Modesto, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $753.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $81 - $161 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Billings?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

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: Modesto, CA vs Billings, MT

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Billings, side by side with Modesto on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Modesto, CA Billings, MT
Cost of living index11695
Average rent$1,800/mo$1,300/mo
Median home value$415,024$310,937
Average income$77,899/yr$71,855/yr
Unemployment rate8.0%4.1%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 6.75%
Walkability score48/10035/100
Safety index34.24/10050.37/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Billings, MT to Modesto, CA guide.

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Our take

For a move from Modesto, CA, to Billings, MT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,198 for a studio to $9,064 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,150-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,352 - $4,480. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $787 - $2,193, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,754 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.

FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Billings, MT

How long does a move from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Billings, MT?

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.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Modesto, CA to Billings, 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.

Is Billings a safe place to live?

Billings has a safety index of 50.37 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.63, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

How walkable is Billings?

Billings has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.