($674+) Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,217 to $7,890, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $674 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 938 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 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 Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Stockton to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,217 - $7,890 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 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 938 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 938-mile route from Stockton to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,217 for a studio up to $7,890 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,197 - $3,767 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $687 - $1,826, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,025 - $3,300, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 938-mile move from Stockton, California, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $1,217 - $7,890. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $361 - $2,404. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Stockton and Missoula. Local movers in Stockton typically start around $231 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Stockton to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $5,158
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,543 - $6,285
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,182 - $7,890
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 Stockton to Missoula.
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 Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 89% of Stockton movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $601 - $6,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready89% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $240 - $1,442/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $361 - $2,885 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage44% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs28% of local movers | $1,202 - $3,606 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,005 - $12,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $900 - $1,710 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $1,202 - $3,005 |
| Piano | Any piano type83% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $962 - $4,207 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling22% of local movers | $361 - $1,803 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $781 - $2,404 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $361 - $18,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $361 - $4,207+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Stockton to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Stockton, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Stockton, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,197 and $3,767. 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 Stockton typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Stockton to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,067
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,601 - $2,962
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,074 - $3,767
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $180 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $841 in Stockton, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Missoula, MT, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,197. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,601 - $2,962, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Stockton 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 Stockton 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 Stockton:
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
- Thrifty Moving & Storage (4.4/5), 35 years in business
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 938-mile move from Stockton, California, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $687 and $1,826, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $359 - $410
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Stockton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Stockton to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $687 - $1,264
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $700 - $1,488
- 4+ bedrooms: $923 - $1,826
Pro tip: The base rate of $687 - $1,826 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Stockton to Missoula. Fuel ($359 - $410) , lodging at around $180/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $90 and $421.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $180.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $359 and $410 for the 938-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 $841 for 2 movers in Stockton, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Stockton 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 Stockton, CA to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Stockton, California, to Missoula, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,082 and $2,540.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Stockton to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,025 - $1,899
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,540
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,675 - $3,300
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 Stockton, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $841.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $90 - $180 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 Stockton to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Missoula fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Stockton, CA vs Missoula, MT
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Stockton and Missoula to plan around. Cost of living index: 125 vs. 113. Average rent: $1,775/mo vs. $1,322/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 44 vs. 45. Safety index: 24.8 vs. 66.73.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Stockton, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes 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 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 938-mile move.
Our take
The 938-mile move from Stockton, CA, to Missoula, MT, costs between $1,217 and $7,890 with full-service movers, $1,197 - $3,767 with a moving container, and $687 - $1,826 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 $2,543 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 Stockton, CA, to Missoula, MT
What is the best time of year to move from Stockton, 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 3 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 24.8 and 75.2 in Stockton. 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 Stockton, 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 $700 - $1,488. 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 Stockton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 83% of movers in Stockton handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
