($821+) Billings, MT to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $757 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,543 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,201 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 $2,521, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,543 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,270 - $4,262, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $757 - $2,204.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,159 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Ontario, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Billings to Ontario: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,159 - $8,184. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,201 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,201-mile route from Billings to Ontario, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,521 - $6,209, container $1,270 - $2,503, rental truck $757 - $1,597, freight trailer $1,144 - $2,122.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,159 - $8,184, container $1,705 - $3,319, rental truck $871 - $1,898, freight trailer $1,297 - $2,737.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,647 - $10,543, container $2,354 - $4,262, rental truck $1,072 - $2,204, freight trailer $1,902 - $3,409.
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 Billings, MT to Ontario, CA
For the 1,201-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, California, full-service movers cost between $2,521 and $10,543. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,092 (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 Billings generally start around $259 plus $105 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,521 - $6,209
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,159 - $8,184
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,647 - $10,543
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 Ontario.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 60% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ontario, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Ontario?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- 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 Billings, MT. 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 Billings, MT to Ontario, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,270 and $4,262. 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 Billings typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,270 - $2,503
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,705 - $3,319
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,354 - $4,262
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $157 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Ontario, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $732 in Billings, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,270. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,705 - $3,319, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Ontario?
- 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:
- Aaron's Back Company (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Baker Transfer & Storage (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Ontario, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,201-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Ontario, California, costs between $757 and $2,204, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $400 - $457
- 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 Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $757 - $1,597
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,898
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,204
Pro tip: The base rate of $757 - $2,204 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Billings to Ontario. Fuel ($400 - $457) , lodging at around $157/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Billings, Montana, usually costs about $732 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,201-mile drive falls between $400 and $457, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $314 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, 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 Ontario, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,297 and $2,737.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,144 - $2,122
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,297 - $2,737
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,902 - $3,409
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Billings, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $732.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 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 Billings to Ontario?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Billings to Ontario. 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 Ontario, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ontario, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Ontario, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,619/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $564,076 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $82,806/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 49.75/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Ontario, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Montana to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 11 movers based in Montana, handy for sizing up options on this 1,201-mile route.
Our take
The 1,201-mile move from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA, costs between $2,521 and $10,543 with full-service movers, $1,270 - $4,262 with a moving container, and $757 - $2,204 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 $3,159 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 Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Ontario, CA
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 Ontario a safe place to live?
Ontario has a safety index of 49.75 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.25, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Ontario, 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 $871 - $1,898. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ontario?
For families, Creekside, Parkview, and Ontario Ranch are worth a look in Ontario. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Ontario, Piemonte, and Ontario Ranch tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Ontario, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.