($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.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Montana guide.
Our track record
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:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Montana
- Mesa Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- InterWest Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Baker Transfer & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Mesa Moving & Storage

DOT #: 3280355
Years in Business: 6
1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601Mesa 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.
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
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3280355
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Mesa Moving and Storage Helena, LLC
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 7
1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT 59802 USTwo 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- Two Men and a Truck
InterWest Moving and Storage

DOT #: 125550
Years in Business: 32
523 Business Hub Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714InterWest 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.
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
- DOT #: 125550
- State license #: 125550
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- West One Logistics
Baker Transfer & Storage

DOT #: 469163
Years in Business: 13
706 Daniel St Suite 1, Billings, MT 59102Baker 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 469163
- State license #: 469163
Montana Transfer

DOT #: 514197
Years in Business: 61
209 Commerce, Missoula, MT 59808Montana 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 514197
- DOD certified
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:
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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:
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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:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to CA move
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 California
Cost of moving containers from Montana to California
Cost of moving truck rentals from Montana to California
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to CA
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 |