Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 15 2025
If you moving to Montana so as to be close to work, family or school such as Montana State University, glacier national park regardless of why you're moving, it's essential to understand all aspects of the move to avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes. Moving from California to Montana comes with a few considerations.
Average Cost of Moving From California to Montana
Moving prices vary because various things affect the overall cost of your relocation. The cost of your relocation is influenced by the long distance or local movers you use. Relocating companies provide a wide range of services at varying prices. They also charge based on several other factors, such as the distance traveled in their allied van lines, international van lines for cross-country moves or North American van lines. The distance between California and Montana is 2706 miles.
Additionally, the size of the flat will have a bearing on the cost of moving service. The amount of stuff you're shifting also significantly impacts how much it costs to carry it all. Hauling rates might go up if you ask for additional services like loading, packing services, and storage. It costs between $2840 and $6280 to relocate across state lines, from California to Montana.
| California to Montana | Distance | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Billings, MT | 961 miles | $3,570 - $4,504 | $5,335 - $7,103 | $7,103 - $10,344 |
| San Diego, CA to Missoula, MT | 985 miles | $3,578 - $4,515 | $5,350 - $7,123 | $7,123 - $10,376 |
| San Jose, CA to Great Falls, MT | 885 miles | $3,421 - $4,309 | $5,101 - $6,784 | $6,784 - $9,869 |
| San Francisco, CA to Bozeman, MT | 801 miles | $3,260 - $4,100 | $4,848 - $6,440 | $6,440 - $9,353 |
| Fresno, CA to Butte, MT | 732 miles | $3,152 - $3,959 | $4,676 - $6,204 | $6,204 - $8,996 |
| Sacramento, CA to Helena, MT | 732 miles | $3,170 - $3,983 | $4,706 - $6,246 | $6,246 - $9,061 |
| Long Beach, CA to Kalispell, MT | 1010 miles | $3,674 - $4,639 | $5,498 - $7,325 | $7,325 - $10,676 |
| Oakland, CA to Belgrade, MT | 796 miles | $3,260 - $4,100 | $4,848 - $6,440 | $6,440 - $9,353 |
| Bakersfield, CA to Anaconda, MT | 804 miles | $3,338 - $4,202 | $4,971 - $6,607 | $6,607 - $9,603 |
| Anaheim, CA to Livingston, MT | 903 miles | $3,415 - $4,302 | $5,091 - $6,771 | $6,771 - $9,847 |
Best Way to Relocate From California to Montana
You can simplify your belongings or vehicle relocation process and plans in several ways. But it would help if you started the plans as soon as possible. Creating a moving checklist will also help simplify the process. The best hauling option from California to Montana is to hire a professional company. California’s best interstate moving company is undoubtedly Three Movers.
We have numerous long-distance relocations success stories to its name. The company’s professional haulers know and apply all it takes to plan and fulfill a long-distance relocation devoid of complications. You’ll get the most outstanding long-distance relocation from California to Montana at the best possible price when choosing Three Movers for your professional moving service.
Which is the cheapest way to move?
Below are a few options for people who want to cut down on costs when relocating from California to Montana.
Draft A Moving Checklist
If you want the relocation process to be as stress-free as possible, you must always be well-organized and proactive. You should not leave out any essential items from your checklist. Per the amount of time you have before your move, you may split the list into portions that you will need to accomplish over many weeks or months before your move date. If you cannot create your shifting checklist, you may find one on the internet.
Choose A Company with Insurance
There is a possibility that your belongings may be harmed when traveling across state lines. That's why it's a good idea to choose an insured moving company. Repairing or replacing damaged things may be pretty costly if you do not have insurance. If there's an accident, be sure the relocating company has insurance.
Think about Moving during Less Congested Seasons
If you are looking for a cheap way to travel across the nation, keep in mind the season. Shifting is more expensive from May to September because of the increased demand for moving services. The weather is also more pleasant throughout the summer months than during other seasons, making it a more favorable period for relocation.
You may save money by relocating during the off-seasons between January and March when the cost of moving is at its lowest with all California moving companies.
Other Services We offer:
Several moving options are available at Three Movers, including:
- Residential Hauling
- Furniture Shifting
- International Hauling
- Long-distance moving
- Military moving
- Commercial Moving
- Movers and packers
- Relocating and Storage
- Haulers with a truck
Moving and Storage
Storage services may be necessary if you have many items to move. You may be storing some of your belongings in place in your new home before moving your stuff. Storage facilities allow you to keep some of your things temporarily for pending the time you’ll be shifting them to your new Montana home permanently. We offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions.
Three Movers provides the best storage options in California. Our storage facilities offer quality protection for all your belongings while they're with us.
Who Regulates Long-Distance Moving Companies from California to Montana?
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), also regulates interstate long-distance movers. Californian moving companies get their California T number from the California Public Utilities Commission. Movers must meet insurance and safety requirements of the moving industry before the Public Utilities Commission can permit them to operate in California.
Get a Free Moving Quote
Each visitor on our website has the opportunity to get a free quote by providing relevant information about your move from our customer service representatives. The estimate will serve as a reference for your relocation preparations from California to Montana. So, what are you still holding out for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Top CA to MT moving services are licensed interstate carriers that manage California to Montana relocations under FMCSA rules. These moves span 800–1,200+ miles and often include packing, storage-in-transit, and coordinated delivery windows. Typical costs range from $3,200–$7,800, driven by home size, shipment weight, access limits, and timing. Choosing experienced interstate movers helps reduce delays and regulatory issues.
Moving from California to Montana generally costs $3,200–$7,800 for a 1–4 bedroom home, with larger households exceeding $9,000. Pricing is based on weight, distance, number of movers, packing needs, stairs or elevators, long carries, and fuel costs. Summer demand and rural Montana delivery zones may increase rates. National benchmarks align with the average cost of moving interstate.
Late spring through early fall is the safest window for a CA to MT move. Mountain passes can see snow from October through April, increasing risk and transit delays. Summer offers the best road access but comes with higher prices, while late spring and early fall balance weather reliability and availability. Winter moves require flexible delivery spreads and experienced drivers familiar with Montana conditions.
Most California to Montana moves take 5–10 days, depending on route, shipment size, and whether the truck is dedicated or shared. Smaller or consolidated loads may run longer, while exclusive-use trucks move faster. Rural destinations can add 1–2 days due to limited access and scheduling. Using vetted, non-broker moving companies improves delivery accuracy.
Begin preparing 3–4 weeks ahead by decluttering, labeling, and protecting items from temperature swings. Electronics, wood furniture, and artwork need moisture-resistant packing for Montana’s climate. Inventory creation and staged packing reduce loading delays. Many households follow a structured moving checklist to stay on schedule and avoid last-minute issues.
Yes. Any move from California to Montana is an interstate move regulated by the FMCSA and U.S. DOT. Movers must carry USDOT numbers, provide written estimates, and price by weight and mileage, not hourly rates. Interstate rules also govern liability coverage and delivery windows. Full-coverage options are commonly available through reputable full-service carriers.
