($721+) Missoula, MT to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $721 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,253 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,174 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 $2,490, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,253 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,214 - $4,184, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $721 - $2,108.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,148 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 Ontario, CA
Moving options from Missoula to Ontario fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,148 - $7,637 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 50% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,174-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 1,174-mile route from Missoula to Ontario, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,490 - $5,943 | $1,214 - $2,159 | $721 - $1,427 | $1,049 - $1,943 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,148 - $7,637 | $1,564 - $3,164 | $779 - $1,697 | $1,226 - $2,431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,404 - $10,253 | $2,031 - $4,184 | $968 - $2,108 | $1,676 - $3,380 |
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 Ontario, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,174-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Ontario, California, with prices running from $2,490 - $10,253. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $346 - $2,308 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Ontario are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Missoula movers tend to run around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,490 - $5,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,148 - $7,637
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,404 - $10,253
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 Ontario.
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 Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $577 - $5,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $231 - $1,385/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $346 - $2,770 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,154 - $3,462 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,885 - $11,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $864 - $1,642 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,154 - $2,885 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $923 - $4,039 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $346 - $1,731 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $750 - $2,308 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $346 - $17,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $346 - $4,039+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Ontario?
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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Missoula, 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 Missoula, MT to Ontario, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,214 and $4,184. 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 Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,214 - $2,159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,564 - $3,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,031 - $4,184
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 $808 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 $87 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $173 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 Ontario, 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 $1,214. 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 $1,564 - $3,164.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,174-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Ontario, California, costs between $721 and $2,108, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $431 - $493
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $721 - $1,427
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $779 - $1,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $968 - $2,108
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $721 - $2,108 does not include fuel ($431 - $493), lodging ($173/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Missoula to Ontario 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 $431 - $493 for the 1,174-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 Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $808.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,174-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $173 per night, adding $346 - $519 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $58 and $346.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to Ontario, 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 $1,039 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,049 - $1,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,226 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,380
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?
- 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 $87 - $173 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 $808.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Ontario?
- 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula to Ontario. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Ontario, CA
Day-to-day costs in Ontario are close to what you're used to in Missoula: cost of living index of 119 versus 113, with average rent of $2,619/mo compared to $1,322/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 66.73/100 in Missoula versus 48/100 and 49.75/100 in Ontario.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario, CA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Montana to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 25 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,174-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,174-mile route from Missoula, MT, to Ontario, CA, run $2,490 - $10,253 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,214 - $4,184, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $721 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,148, 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 Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Ontario, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Missoula, MT to Ontario, 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.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Ontario, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($431 - $493), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $173/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Ontario, 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 $779 - $1,697. 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 Ontario, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $721 to $10,253, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,490 and $10,253, 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 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.