($767+) Missoula, MT to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $767 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,944 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,223 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 $2,603, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,944 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,272 - $4,274, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $767 - $2,079.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,105 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 Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Missoula to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,105 - $7,719 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 49% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 73% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,223-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 1,223-mile route from Missoula to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,603 - $5,971 | $1,272 - $2,178 | $767 - $1,420 | $1,146 - $2,105 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,105 - $7,719 | $1,576 - $3,227 | $846 - $1,688 | $1,287 - $2,556 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,114 - $9,944 | $2,091 - $4,274 | $991 - $2,079 | $1,725 - $3,283 |
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 Long Beach, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Missoula, Montana, to Long Beach, California, costs between $2,603 and $9,944. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,223-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $398 - $2,652, 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 Missoula and Long Beach. For a rough baseline, movers based in Missoula tend to start around $342 plus $150/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 Missoula to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,603 - $5,971
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,105 - $7,719
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,114 - $9,944
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 Long Beach.
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 Missoula, MT to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Long Beach, 55% 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 Long Beach?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Missoula, MT. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,272 and $4,274. 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 Missoula runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,272 - $2,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,576 - $3,227
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,091 - $4,274
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 $928 in Missoula, 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 $99 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $199 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 Long Beach, 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 $1,272. 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 $1,576 - $3,227.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Long Beach?
- 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 Long Beach, CA
Truck rentals from Missoula, Montana, to Long Beach, California, range from $767 - $2,079 for the 1,223-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $516 - $590
- 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 Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $846 - $1,688
- 4+ bedrooms: $991 - $2,079
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $767 - $2,079 does not include fuel ($516 - $590), lodging ($199/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Missoula to Long Beach 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $199 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 Missoula, Montana, usually costs about $928 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,223-mile drive falls between $516 and $590, 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 $66 and $398 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Long Beach?
- 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 Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to Long Beach, 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 $1,193 and $2,556.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $2,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,556
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,283
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $99 - $199 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Missoula, Montana, typically costs $928.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Long Beach?
- 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 41.42/100 |
| 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 Long Beach, 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 1,223-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,223-mile route from Missoula, MT, to Long Beach, CA, run $2,603 - $9,944 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,272 - $4,274, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $767 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,105, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Long Beach, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($516 - $590), 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 Long Beach, 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 $846 - $1,688. 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 Long Beach, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $767 to $9,944, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,603 and $9,944, 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 Long Beach 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.