($775+) Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,170 to $8,452, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $775 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,208 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.
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Compare moving options from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Santa Ana to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,170 - $8,452 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,208 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 1,208-mile route from Santa Ana to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,170 - $4,831, container $1,260 - $2,201, rental truck $714 - $1,463, freight trailer $1,168 - $2,043.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,693 - $6,436, container $1,592 - $3,067, rental truck $854 - $1,620, freight trailer $1,287 - $2,453.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,618 - $8,452, container $2,091 - $4,104, rental truck $1,012 - $2,017, freight trailer $1,794 - $3,249.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,208-mile move from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $1,170 - $8,452. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $433 - $2,884. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Santa Ana and Missoula. Local movers in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Ana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,170 - $4,831
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,693 - $6,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,618 - $8,452
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 Santa Ana to Missoula.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Santa Ana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Missoula, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $721 - $7,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $288 - $1,730/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $433 - $3,461 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,442 - $4,326 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,605 - $14,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,080 - $2,052 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,442 - $3,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,154 - $5,047 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $433 - $2,163 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $937 - $2,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $433 - $21,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $433 - $5,047+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Ana to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Santa Ana, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,260 and $4,104. 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 Santa Ana costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Ana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,260 - $2,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,592 - $3,067
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,091 - $4,104
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Ana, 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 $1,009 in Santa Ana, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $108 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $216 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 $1,260. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,592 - $3,067.
What are the best moving containers Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,208 miles from Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, Montana, running $714 - $2,017. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $554 - $633
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $714 - $1,463
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $854 - $1,620
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,012 - $2,017
Pro tip: A rental truck from Santa Ana to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $714 - $2,017. But once you factor in fuel ($554 - $633), overnight lodging ($216/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $216 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $94 and $469 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $554 - $633 in fuel for the 1,208-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,009 in Santa Ana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, 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 Santa Ana, California, to Missoula, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,287 and $2,453.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Ana to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,168 - $2,043
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,453
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,794 - $3,249
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $108 - $216 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Santa Ana, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,009.
What are the best freight companies from Santa Ana to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Missoula quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Ana, CA | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,650/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $657,015 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $88,354/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 67/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 45.83/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Santa Ana, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from California to Montana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,208-mile move.
Our take
The 1,208-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Missoula, MT, costs between $1,170 and $8,452 with full-service movers, $1,260 - $4,104 with a moving container, and $714 - $2,017 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,693 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Ana, CA, to Missoula, MT
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 67 and 62 in Santa Ana. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $775 to $8,452, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,170 and $8,452, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Santa Ana, 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 do local movers charge in Santa Ana?
Local movers based in Santa Ana typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Missoula run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Santa Ana, CA to Missoula, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of Santa Ana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Santa Ana handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.