($1,293) Cost of Moving From California to Montana

Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Montana ranges from $878 to $6,208 and takes three–eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Professional
$1,293 – $3,080
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$915 – $1,620
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$823 – $1,430
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$787 – $1,522
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Montana to California guide.

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The best California to Montana full-service movers

Moving from California to Montana? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your Montana relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best California to Montana moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Montana.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best California to Montana moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Montana, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best California to Montana labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to Montana:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to MT movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 281 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from California to Montana?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Montana for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,293 - $4,874 $915 - $2,404 $787 - $1,646
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,707 - $6,208 $1,704 - $3,502 $878 - $1,827
4+ bedrooms $4,960 - $9,328 $2,381 - $4,652 $1,093 - $2,274

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,307 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from California to Montanatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Montana will cost between $1,293 and $4,874. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to MT will range from $2,707 to $6,208, and a large move from California to Montana will cost from $4,960 to $9,328.

Cost of moving containers from California to Montanatoggle

Moving containers from California to Montana will cost you $915 to $2,404 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,704 to $3,502. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,381 to $4,652. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Montanatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $787 to $1,646. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $878 to $1,827, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Montana costs from $1,093 to $2,274.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to MT

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Montana will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from CA to MT

If you’re moving to Montana from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: California vs. Montana

California Montana
Average rent cost $1,856 $974
Average home cost $771,057 $462,631
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $66,341
Cost of Living Index 134 100
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 0.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 6.75%
  • Rent is about 48% less expensive in Montana than in California.
  • Home prices are about 40% lower in Montana than in California.
  • The average income is about 28% lower in Montana than in California.
  • Cost of living is 25% lower in Montana than in California.
  • Montana has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 39%.
  • Sales taxes are 100% lower in Montana than in California.
  • Income taxes are 49% lower in Montana than in California.

How life is different in Montana vs. California

Montana California
Population 1,132,812 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 58.4-38.5 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 84ºF 87ºF
Winter low 12ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 15" 22"
Annual snow 49" 7"
Crime index 23.37 28.43
  • The population of Montana is approximately 97% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches the temperature of 12ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Montana versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Montana, it snows about 49 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Montana has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 23.37 vs. 28.43.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Montana

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Montana compared to California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Montana
Ample economic opportunity Unmatched natural beauty
Pleasant weather Bountiful outdoor opportunities
Abundant recreational options Ample economic opportunity
High quality of life Delicious unique cuisine
Fresh and healthy foods No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Montana

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Montana.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Montana
High cost of living Dangerous wildlife
Heavy tax burdens Remote lifestyle
Natural disasters Touristy
Terrible traffic Lacking in urban amenities
Strange laws Challenging weather

Other things to consider for your California to Montana movetoggle

  • Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Montanatoggle

While you’re in Montana, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Lewis & Clark Trail
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Museum of the Rockies
  • Lake McDonald
  • Montana Historical Society Museum
  • Montana State Capitol
  • The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
  • Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
  • The World Museum of Mining
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
  • The Moss Mansion
  • Big Sky Resort
  • ZooMontana
  • Conrad Mansion Museum
  • Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
  • Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
  • Ringing Rocks
  • American Computer & Robotics Museum
  • Whitefish Mountain Resort
  • Big Hole National Battlefield
  • Western Heritage Centre
  • Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Montana?toggle

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Montana?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Montana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Montana?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from California to Montana are the amazing upsides of living in Montana such as unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Montana?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Montana than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Montana, with average rent about 48% less and home prices 40.0% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Montana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?toggle

You should make approximately $61,348 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Montana. The cost of living in Montana is approximately $1,892 per month for an individual and $5,184 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Montana you live For example, larger cities like Billings and Missoula will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources