($802+) Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT ranges from $1,160 to $8,444, with an average cost of $3,250. Moves can be as low as $802 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,232 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 Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,160 - $8,444 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,232 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 1,232-mile route from Santa Clarita to Billings, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,160 - $5,136, container $1,247 - $2,431, rental truck $794 - $1,473, freight trailer $1,177 - $1,979.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,742 - $6,407, container $1,589 - $3,388, rental truck $859 - $1,769, freight trailer $1,297 - $2,503.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,445 - $8,444, container $2,088 - $4,447, rental truck $1,070 - $2,221, freight trailer $1,653 - $3,489.
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 Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,232-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, with prices running from $1,160 - $8,444. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $406 - $2,704 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Santa Clarita and Billings are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Santa Clarita movers tend to run around $291 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,160 - $5,136
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,742 - $6,407
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,445 - $8,444
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 Clarita to Billings.
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 Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Santa Clarita movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Billings, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $676 - $6,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $270 - $1,622/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,245 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,352 - $4,056 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,380 - $13,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,013 - $1,924 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,352 - $3,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,082 - $4,732 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $406 - $2,028 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $879 - $2,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,732+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita to Billings?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Santa Clarita, 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 Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,247 and $4,447. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Billings. If you go over that window, storage in Santa Clarita adds around /month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,247 - $2,431
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,589 - $3,388
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,088 - $4,447
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Santa Clarita, CA and Billings, 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 $946 in Santa Clarita, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $101 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $203 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Montana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,247. 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 $1,589 - $3,388.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita to Billings?
- 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 Clarita 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 Clarita:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Affordable Quality Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 29 years in business
- Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.6/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT
A rental truck for this 1,232-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Billings, Montana, costs between $794 and $2,221. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $530 - $606
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Santa Clarita daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Clarita to Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $794 - $1,473
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $859 - $1,769
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,070 - $2,221
Pro tip: The base rate of $794 - $2,221 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Santa Clarita to Billings. Fuel ($530 - $606), lodging at around $203/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $530 - $606 for the 1,232-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $946.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,232-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $203 per night, adding $406 - $608 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $68 and $406.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita to Billings?
- 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 Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,297 and $2,503.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,177 - $1,979
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,297 - $2,503
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,653 - $3,489
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Santa Clarita, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $946.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $203 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 Santa Clarita to Billings?
- 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.
- 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.
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 Billings 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 Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Billings, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 95 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $310,937 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $71,855/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 50.37/100 |
| 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 Billings, MT to Santa Clarita, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote 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 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,232-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,232-mile route from Santa Clarita, CA, to Billings, MT, run $1,160 - $8,444 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,247 - $4,447, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $794 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,742, 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 Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Clarita, CA, to Billings, MT
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Clarita, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 64.08 and 35.92 in Santa Clarita. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Billings, MT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $859 - $1,769. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Billings?
For families, Josephine Crossing, West End, and Heights are worth a look in Billings. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Billings, South Park, and Poly Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Santa Clarita movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Santa Clarita handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.