($737+) Santa Clarita, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,134 to $8,030, with an average cost of $3,050. Moves can be as low as $737 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 Clarita, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Santa Clarita to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,134 - $8,030 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,050, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% 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 Clarita to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,134 for a studio up to $8,030 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,223 - $4,443 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $722 - $2,183, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,112 - $3,419, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Missoula, MT
For the 1,208-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Missoula, Montana, full-service movers cost between $1,134 and $8,030. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $427 - $2,848 (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 Santa Clarita generally start around $291 plus $125 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Santa Clarita to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,134 - $5,124
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,586 - $6,499
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,663 - $8,030
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 Missoula.
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 Santa Clarita, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Santa Clarita 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 packing81% of local movers | $712 - $7,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $285 - $1,709/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $427 - $3,418 |
| 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 | $1,424 - $4,272 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,560 - $14,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,067 - $2,026 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,424 - $3,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Best California Movers | $1,139 - $4,984 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $427 - $2,136 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $926 - $2,848 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $427 - $21,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $427 - $4,984+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Santa Clarita to Missoula?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Santa Clarita, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,223 and $4,443. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Santa Clarita typically costs about /month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Santa Clarita to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,223 - $2,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,672 - $3,322
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,156 - $4,443
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 Santa Clarita, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $997, 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 $107 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $214 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Santa Clarita, CA, and Missoula, 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 $1,223. 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 $1,672 - $3,322.
What are the best moving containers Santa Clarita 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 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 Missoula, MT
A rental truck for this 1,208-mile move from Santa Clarita, California, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $722 and $2,183. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $547 - $626
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- 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 Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $722 - $1,477
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $822 - $1,722
- 4+ bedrooms: $981 - $2,183
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $722 - $2,183 does not include fuel ($547 - $626), lodging ($214/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Santa Clarita to Missoula typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $107 and $498.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $214.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $547 and $626 for the 1,208-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $997 for 2 movers in Santa Clarita, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Santa Clarita 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 Clarita, CA to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Santa Clarita, California, to Missoula, Montana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,236 and $2,658.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Santa Clarita to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,112 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 - $3,419
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $997.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $107 - $214 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 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 Clarita, 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 Clarita on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Santa Clarita, CA | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 113 |
| Average rent | $3,295/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $722,430 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $119,926/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 64.08/100 | 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 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 1,208-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,208-mile route from Santa Clarita, CA, to Missoula, MT, run $1,134 - $8,030 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,223 - $4,443, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $722 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,586, 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 Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Santa Clarita, CA, to Missoula, MT
What is the best time of year to move from Santa Clarita, CA to Missoula, 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 Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, 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 Missoula, 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 $822 - $1,722. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee 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.