($850+) Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $842 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,852 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,235 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 $2,687, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,852 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,375 - $4,624, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $842 - $2,153.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,286 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 Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Billings to Santa Ana fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,286 - $7,522 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,235 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 1,235-mile route from Billings to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,687 for a studio up to $10,852 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,375 - $4,624 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $842 - $2,153, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,248 - $3,772, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Santa Ana, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $2,687 and $10,852. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,235-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $369 - $2,460, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Billings and Santa Ana. For a rough baseline, movers based in Billings tend to start around $259 plus $105/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,687 - $6,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,286 - $7,522
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,487 - $10,852
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 Santa Ana.
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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 60% of Billings movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Ana, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $615 - $6,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $246 - $1,476/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $369 - $2,952 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,230 - $3,690 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,075 - $12,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $921 - $1,750 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $1,230 - $3,075 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $984 - $4,305 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $369 - $1,845 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $800 - $2,460 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $369 - $18,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $369 - $4,305+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,375 and $4,624. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Santa Ana. If you go over that window, storage in Billings adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,557
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,260 - $4,624
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Billings, MT and Santa Ana, 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 $861 in Billings, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $92 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $185 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 $1,375. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,719 - $3,557, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Billings to Santa Ana?
- 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 Santa Ana, CA
A rental truck for this 1,235-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $842 and $2,153. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $483 - $552
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $842 - $1,515
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $919 - $1,783
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,157 - $2,153
Pro tip: The base rate of $842 - $2,153 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Billings to Santa Ana. Fuel ($483 - $552) , lodging at around $185/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $483 - $552 for the 1,235-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 $861.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,235-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $185 per night, adding $369 - $554 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $62 and $369.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings to Santa Ana?
- 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 Santa Ana, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Billings, Montana, to Santa Ana, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,402 and $2,763.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,248 - $2,209
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,402 - $2,763
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,808 - $3,772
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?
- 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 $861.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $92 and $185 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Santa Ana?
- 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.
- 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 operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Billings on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Billings, MT | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 95 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $310,937 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $71,855/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 50.37/100 | 45.83/100 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA to Billings, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes 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 11 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,235-mile move.
Our take
The 1,235-mile move from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA, costs between $2,687 and $10,852 with full-service movers, $1,375 - $4,624 with a moving container, and $842 - $2,153 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 $3,286 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 Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Billings, MT, to Santa Ana, CA
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 Santa Ana run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,687 to $10,852, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,687 and $10,852, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT to Santa Ana, 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 $919 - $1,783. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($483 - $552), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $185/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.
