($744+) Billings, MT to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $744 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,278 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,167 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 $2,570, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,278 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,192 - $4,276, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $744 - $2,032.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,093 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Billings to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,093 - $7,729 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 47% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,167-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,167-mile route from Billings to San Francisco, 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 $2,570 - $5,783 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,192 - $2,231), rental truck ($744 - $1,472), or freight trailer ($1,128 - $2,130). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,093 - $7,729 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,278.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Billings, MT to San Francisco, CA
For the 1,167-mile move from Billings, Montana, to San Francisco, California, full-service movers cost between $2,570 and $10,278. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $465 - $3,100 (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 San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,570 - $5,783
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,093 - $7,729
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,259 - $10,278
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 San Francisco.
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 San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Francisco, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing50% of local movers | $775 - $7,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $310 - $1,860/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $465 - $3,720 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $1,550 - $4,650 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,875 - $15,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,161 - $2,206 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $1,550 - $3,875 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $1,240 - $5,425 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $465 - $2,325 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $1,008 - $3,100 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $465 - $23,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $465 - $5,425+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to San Francisco?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,192 and $4,276. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Billings runs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,192 - $2,231
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,630 - $3,265
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,163 - $4,276
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 $1,085 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 $116 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $233 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 San Francisco, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,192. 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 $1,630 - $3,265.
What are the best moving containers Billings to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,167-mile move from Billings, Montana, to San Francisco, California, costs between $744 and $2,032, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $576 - $658
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
- 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 San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,472
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $836 - $1,734
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,000 - $2,032
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $744 - $2,032 does not include fuel ($576 - $658), lodging ($233/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Billings to San Francisco typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $576 - $658 for the 1,167-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,085.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,167-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $233 per night, adding $465 - $698 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $78 and $465.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, to San Francisco, 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 $1,395 and $2,486.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $2,130
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,215 - $2,486
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,731 - $3,287
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 $1,085.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $116 - $233 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 San Francisco?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Billings to San Francisco, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 38.59/100 |
| 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 San Francisco, 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 19 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,167-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Billings, MT, to San Francisco, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,570 - $10,278 on the 1,167-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,192 - $4,276, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $744 - $2,032. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,093 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to San Francisco, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT to San Francisco, 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 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.
Is San Francisco a safe place to live?
San Francisco has a safety index of 38.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.41, 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 San Francisco, 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 $836 - $1,734. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
For families, Bernal Heights, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley are worth a look in San Francisco. If you're moving solo or without kids, Marina District, Mission Bay, and Mission District tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.