($1,808) Cost of Moving From Montana to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Montana to California ranges from $1,053 to $8,856 and takes three–eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Montana guide.

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The best Montana to California full-service movers

Moving from Montana to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Montana for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Montana

  1. Mesa Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  3. InterWest Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  4. Baker Transfer & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  5. Montana Transfer: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Mesa Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3280355

Years in Business: 6

1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Mesa Moving & Storage, operating since 2020, offers comprehensive local residential moving services in and around Helena, MT. Known for their impressive Google rating of 4.7 from 159 reviews and a stellar A+ BBB rating, they consistently outshine many nearby competitors. While their Yelp reviews suggest some mixed experiences, their overall consumer feedback remains highly positive. In addition to local moves, Mesa Moving & Storage excels in packing, unpacking, and crating services, and caters to specialized needs like moving pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With no deposit required and both cash and credit card payments accepted, they provide a flexible and reputable choice for those seeking reliable local movers.

Get a Quote (406) 442-9470

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Mesa Moving and Storage Helena, LLC
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 7

1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT 59802 US

Two Men and a Truck, operating in and around Missoula, MT since 2018, stands out for its reliable local residential moving services. With a solid reputation, the company boasts an impressive 4.5-star average on Google My Business from 76 reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting customer satisfaction and trust. Comparing favorably to other movers in the area, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they accept credit cards with no deposit required. Whether moving a piano or a safe, Two Men and a Truck provides an all-encompassing solution for local moves.

Get a Quote (607) 644-7509

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Two Men and a Truck
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InterWest Moving and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.48 / 5

DOT #: 125550

Years in Business: 32

523 Business Hub Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714

InterWest Moving and Storage, serving Belgrade, MT since 1992, specializes in local residential moves and stands out as a highly reputable option compared to other nearby moving companies. With an impressive consumer review profile—boasting a 5.0 average rating on Yelp and a 4.8 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ Better Business Bureau rating—InterWest's commitment to customer satisfaction is clear. The company also offers a range of additional services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and provides full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind. For those seeking reliable, top-rated local moving services, InterWest Moving and Storage is a standout choice.

Get a Quote (406) 587-5153

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • West One Logistics
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Baker Transfer & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 5

DOT #: 469163

Years in Business: 13

706 Daniel St Suite 1, Billings, MT 59102

Baker Transfer & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Billings, MT since 2012. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they stand out by offering packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, as well as the capability to move specialty items like pianos, pool tables, and safes. While their Yelp reviews average 3.3 stars, their Google My Business profile boasts a more favorable 4.2-star average, and they hold an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other moving companies in the area, Baker Transfer & Storage’s long-standing reputation and extensive service offerings make them a compelling choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (406) 245-3147

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Montana Transfer

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.28 / 5

DOT #: 514197

Years in Business: 61

209 Commerce, Missoula, MT 59808

Montana Transfer, a reputable moving company established in 1965, offers local residential moving services in and around Missoula, MT. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an average rating of 3.8 from 68 Google reviews, Montana Transfer outshines many local competitors despite mixed feedback on Yelp. They provide a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and the fragile-only packing if needed, accommodating specialized needs such as piano and art moving. Montana Transfer accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (406) 728-8080

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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The best Montana to California moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Montana and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Montana to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Montana to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Montana to California labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Montana to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 9 Montana movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Montana to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Montana to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,808 - $6,741 $1,132 - $2,830 $1,034 - $1,824
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,821 - $8,856 $1,944 - $3,998 $1,053 - $2,282
4+ bedrooms $7,003 - $12,156 $2,637 - $5,420 $1,325 - $2,674

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,307 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Montana to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Montana to California will cost between $1,808 and $6,741. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MT to CA will range from $3,821 to $8,856, and a large move from Montana to California will cost from $7,003 to $12,156.

Cost of moving containers from Montana to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Montana to California will cost you $1,132 to $2,830 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,944 to $3,998. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,637 to $5,420. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Montana.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Montana to Californiatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,034 to $1,824. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,053 to $2,282, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Montana to California costs from $1,325 to $2,674.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Montana moving costs. The cost to move from Montana to California will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Montana is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from MT to CA

If you’re moving to California from Montana, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Montana vs. California

Montana California
Average rent cost $974 $1,856
Average home cost $462,631 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $66,341 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 100 134
Unemployment rate 3.3% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 0.0% 8.68%
State Income Tax 6.75% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 91% more expensive in California than in Montana.
  • Home prices are about 67% higher in California than in Montana.
  • The average income is about 39% higher in California than in Montana.
  • Cost of living is 34% lower in California than in Montana.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 64%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% higher in California than in Montana.
  • Income taxes are 97% higher in California than in Montana.

How life is different in California vs. Montana

California Montana
Population 39,029,342 1,132,812
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Republican 58.4-38.5
Summer high 87ºF 84ºF
Winter low 59ºF 12ºF
Annual rain 22" 15"
Annual snow 7" 49"
Crime index 28.43 23.37
  • The population of California is approximately 3,345% greater than the population of Montana.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Montana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 49 inches of snow in Montana.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 23.37.

Comparing the pros of Montana vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Montana.

Pros of living in Montana Pros of living in California
Unmatched natural beauty Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful outdoor opportunities Pleasant weather
Ample economic opportunity Abundant recreational options
Delicious unique cuisine High quality of life
No traffic Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. California

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Montana for California.

Cons of living in Montana Cons of living in California
Dangerous wildlife High cost of living
Remote lifestyle Heavy tax burdens
Touristy Natural disasters
Lacking in urban amenities Terrible traffic
Challenging weather Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Montana to California movetoggle

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Montana to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Montana moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Montana to California?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Montana to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Montana to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Montana to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Montana or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Montana than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Montana, with average rent about 48% less and home prices 40% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Montana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources