($777+) Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Lancaster, CA, runs anywhere from $777 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,150 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,193 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 $2,372, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,150 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,978, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $777 - $2,146.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Lancaster, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,987 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 Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Lancaster: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,987 - $7,313. Moving containers run about 48% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 74% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,193-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,193-mile route from Missoula to Lancaster, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,372 - $5,843 | $1,163 - $2,248 | $777 - $1,480 | $1,124 - $2,125 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,987 - $7,313 | $1,562 - $3,195 | $783 - $1,610 | $1,250 - $2,658 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,209 - $10,150 | $2,093 - $3,978 | $955 - $2,146 | $1,742 - $3,216 |
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 Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,193-mile relocation from Missoula, Montana, to Lancaster, California, cost between $2,372 and $10,150. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $398 - $2,652, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Missoula typically charge a base rate around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Lancaster:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,372 - $5,843
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,987 - $7,313
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,209 - $10,150
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 Missoula to Lancaster.
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 Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lancaster, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $663 - $6,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $265 - $1,591/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $398 - $3,182 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,326 - $3,978 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,315 - $13,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $993 - $1,887 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,326 - $3,315 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,061 - $4,641 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $398 - $1,989 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $862 - $2,652 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $398 - $19,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $398 - $4,641+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Lancaster?
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 Missoula, 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 Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Lancaster, California, cost between $1,163 and $3,978. 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 Missoula costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Lancaster:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,248
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,562 - $3,195
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,093 - $3,978
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Missoula, MT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $928, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $99 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $199 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Missoula, MT, and Lancaster, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,163. 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 $1,562 - $3,195.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Lancaster?
- 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA
Truck rentals from Missoula, Montana, to Lancaster, California, range from $777 - $2,146 for the 1,193-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $503 - $575
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
| 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 Missoula to Lancaster based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $777 - $1,480
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $783 - $1,610
- 4+ bedrooms: $955 - $2,146
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Missoula to Lancaster starts at $777 - $2,146, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($503 - $575), overnight lodging ($199/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $199 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $86 and $431 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $503 - $575 in fuel for the 1,193-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $928 in Missoula, Montana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Lancaster?
- 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 Missoula, MT to Lancaster, 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 Missoula, Montana, to Lancaster, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,250 and $2,658.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Lancaster:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,124 - $2,125
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,250 - $2,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,742 - $3,216
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $928.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $99 - $199 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 Missoula to Lancaster?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Lancaster, 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: Missoula, MT vs Lancaster, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lancaster, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Lancaster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,600/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $400,712 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $76,083/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 15.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 54.5/100 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA to Missoula, 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 1,193-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Missoula, MT, to Lancaster, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,372 - $10,150 on the 1,193-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,163 - $3,978 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $777 - $2,146 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,987 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Antelope Valley Hospital and Antelope Valley Union High School District.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Lancaster, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($503 - $575), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $199/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Lancaster, 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 $783 - $1,610. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Lancaster, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $777 to $10,150, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,372 and $10,150, 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 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 do local movers charge in Missoula?
Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Lancaster run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.