($767+) Billings, MT to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $767 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,044 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,204 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 $2,578, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,044 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,260 - $4,358, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $767 - $2,100.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,042 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 Riverside, CA
Moving options from Billings to Riverside fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,042 - $7,131 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 47% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,204 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,204-mile route from Billings to Riverside, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,578 - $5,569 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,260 - $2,178), rental truck ($767 - $1,363), or freight trailer ($1,057 - $2,146). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,042 - $7,131 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,044.
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 Riverside, CA
For the 1,204-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Riverside, California, full-service movers cost between $2,578 and $10,044. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $328 - $2,188 (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 Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,578 - $5,569
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,042 - $7,131
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,486 - $10,044
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 Riverside.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $547 - $5,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $219 - $1,313/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $328 - $2,626 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,094 - $3,282 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,735 - $10,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $819 - $1,557 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,094 - $2,735 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $875 - $3,829 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $328 - $1,641 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $711 - $2,188 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $328 - $16,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $328 - $3,829+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Riverside?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Billings, MT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,260 and $4,358. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Billings typically runs around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,260 - $2,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,608 - $3,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,069 - $4,358
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Billings, MT and Riverside, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $766 in Billings, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $82 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $164 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,260. 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 $1,608 - $3,354.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Riverside?
- 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 Riverside, CA
Plan on $767 - $2,100 for a rental moving truck on the 1,204-mile route from Billings, Montana, to Riverside, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $419 - $479
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,363
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $805 - $1,705
- 4+ bedrooms: $991 - $2,100
Pro tip: The base rate of $767 - $2,100 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Billings to Riverside. Fuel ($419 - $479), lodging at around $164/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 $82 and $383.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $164.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $419 and $479 for the 1,204-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 $766 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 Riverside?
- 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 Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, to Riverside, California. 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 $985 and $2,479.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,057 - $2,146
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,223 - $2,479
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 - $3,520
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $766.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $82 - $164 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 Riverside?
- 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Riverside quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 59.76/100 |
| 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 Riverside, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Montana to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Montana alone has 25 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,204-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Billings, MT, to Riverside, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,578 for a studio to $10,044 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,204-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,260 - $4,358. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $767 - $2,100, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,042 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Riverside, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Riverside, 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 $805 - $1,705. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Riverside?
For families, Orangecrest, Mission Grove, and Canyon Crest are worth a look in Riverside. If you're moving solo or without kids, Canyon Crest, Victoria, and Downtown tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Riverside, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 do local movers charge in Billings?
Local movers based in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $105/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Riverside run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Billings, MT to Riverside, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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.