($713+) Billings, MT to Modesto, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $713 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,277 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,152 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,540, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,277 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,226 - $3,977, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $713 - $1,927.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,117 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
Moving options from Billings to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,117 - $7,637 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 47% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 75% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,152 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,152-mile route from Billings to Modesto, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,540 - $5,543, container $1,226 - $2,339, rental truck $713 - $1,441, freight trailer $1,038 - $1,943.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,117 - $7,637, container $1,642 - $3,226, rental truck $779 - $1,681, freight trailer $1,201 - $2,456.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,248 - $9,277, container $2,200 - $3,977, rental truck $968 - $1,927, freight trailer $1,642 - $3,380.
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 Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,152-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, California, with costs ranging from $2,540 - $9,277. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $310 - $2,068. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Billings and Modesto. Local movers in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,540 - $5,543
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,117 - $7,637
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,248 - $9,277
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 Billings to Modesto.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Modesto, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $517 - $5,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $207 - $1,241/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $310 - $2,482 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,034 - $3,102 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,585 - $10,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $774 - $1,471 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,034 - $2,585 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $827 - $3,619 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $310 - $1,551 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $672 - $2,068 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $310 - $15,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $310 - $3,619+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Modesto?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- 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 Billings, MT, 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 Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,226 and $3,977. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Billings costs roughly $55/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,226 - $2,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,642 - $3,226
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,200 - $3,977
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $724 in Billings, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $155 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Modesto, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Montana to California 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 $1,226. 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 $1,642 - $3,226.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Modesto?
- 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 Billings 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 Billings:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,152-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Modesto, California, costs between $713 and $1,927, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $379 - $433
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Billings daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.89
| 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 Billings to Modesto based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $713 - $1,441
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $779 - $1,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $968 - $1,927
Pro tip: A rental truck from Billings to Modesto looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $713 - $1,927. But once you factor in fuel ($379 - $433), overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $78 and $362.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $155.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $379 and $433 for the 1,152-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 $724 for 2 movers in Billings, Montana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Modesto?
- 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 Billings, MT to Modesto, CA
For larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Modesto, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,201 and $2,456.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Modesto:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,038 - $1,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,201 - $2,456
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,642 - $3,380
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $724.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $155 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Modesto?
- 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Billings to Modesto. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Modesto, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Modesto, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 116 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $415,024 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $77,899/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 34.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Modesto, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Montana to California 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 25 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,152-mile move.
Our take
The 1,152-mile move from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA, costs between $2,540 and $9,277 with full-service movers, $1,226 - $3,977 with a moving container, and $713 - $1,927 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 $3,117 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 Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Modesto, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Modesto?
For families, Del Rio, Dutch Hollow, and La Loma are worth a look in Modesto. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Modesto, College Area, and McHenry Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA?
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 $779 - $1,681. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Modesto a safe place to live?
Modesto has a safety index of 34.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 65.76, compared to 50.37 and 48.63 in Billings. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT to Modesto, CA?
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 percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.