San Diego, CA to Billings, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Billings typically costs $3,200–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,301 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Diego to Billings
Moving from San Diego, CA to Billings, MT typically costs $3,200–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,301-mile move from San Diego to Billings, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,852 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from San Diego to Billings
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Diego to Billings may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,300.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Diego.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,000–$2,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Billings, MT to San Diego, CA guide.
Best San Diego to Billings movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Diego to Billings
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from San Diego to Billings. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→MT movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Billings
Many movers find Billings easier on the wallet than San Diego - roughly 47% less for singles and 41% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,773 for one person in Billings versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it's $4,536 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Diego | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $1,150 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $2,125 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 55% less expensive in Billings than in San Diego, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 62% cheaper in Billings than in San Diego.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 13% less in Billings than in San Diego.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Billings. The cost of living for a single person there is 47% below that of San Diego.
- A move to Billings can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 41% lower compared to San Diego.
- Billings has a lower unemployment rate than San Diego by about 38%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Billings has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to San Diego. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 49% less in Montana compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Diego versus Billings:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Billings |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $187.19 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $49.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $3.10 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $4.33 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $48.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Billings.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Billings.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Billings.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Billings.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Billings.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Billings.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Billings.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Billings
| San Diego | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 184,167 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 47 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 48.63 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 50.37 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Billings's population is about 87% less than San Diego.
- Billings's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than San Diego's score of 6.
- Billings is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 35 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Billings is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Billings's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 48.63 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Billings is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 50.37 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Billings is Good, and in San Diego it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Billings move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Billings. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Billings
With your sights set on Magic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Billings. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Billings is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, and Yellowstone County 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Billings?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Billings. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Billings?
Want to save on your move from San Diego to Billings? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Diego to Billings take?
The 1,301-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Billings, MT, takes three to eight days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Billings.
What kinds of discounts do San Diego movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Diego, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Diego?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in San Diego provide piano moving services. 17 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
