Best Montana to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Montana to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,307 mile MT to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 298 Montana to California moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Montana compared to California. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Montana to California Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Moving On Up | 8.79 | 8.05 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 4 | On The Move LLC | 8.51 | 8.16 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | A Team Moving and Storage | 8.28 | 7.92 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Two Men and a Truck | 8.24 | 7.88 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Montana to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,307 miles from Montana to California will cost on average $2,893 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MT to CA move is roughly $6,961. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Montana and dropoff in California as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Montana to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,943 | 300 ft³ | 6.48 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,893 | 450 ft³ | 6.43 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,784 | 750 ft³ | 6.38 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,961 | 1100 ft³ | 6.33 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $10,045 | 1600 ft³ | 6.28 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $11,211 | 1800 ft³ | 6.23 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Montana guide.
Popular Montana to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best MT to CA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Moving On Up
Deer Lodge, MT
About Moving On Up
Moving On Up is a Montana-based moving company that specializes in providing reliable, honest, and efficient moving services to its customers....
Services
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3890213 / 1487675 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 12,000 (2021) |
On The Move LLC
Bozeman, MT, 59715
About On The Move LLC
On The Move LLC provides excellent moving services throughout Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Three Forks, and...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Packing Help
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2399161 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
A Team Moving and Storage
1270 Bitterroot Dr
Marion, MT, 59925
About A Team Moving and Storage
A-Team Moving and Storage is a family-owned moving company in Marion, MT, offering comprehensive relocation services. With over 70 years of...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2376754 / 815908 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 22 |
| Registered Drivers | 24 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 318,000 (2023) |
Two Men and a Truck
1375 4th Ave N Suite F
Billings, MT, 59101
About Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck is a national, full-service moving company that has been in business for over 35 years. They...
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3818801 / 1381093 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 75,000 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to California
Moving between states is a significant life change that warrants a balanced look at both sides of the decision. This comparison aims to highlight the good and the bad in a move from Montana to California. By understanding Montana's cons compared to California's pros and Montana's pros compared to California's cons, you'll have a clearer view of what to expect and can make an informed decision.
Montana- Colder winters
- Less job opportunities
- Minimal nightlife
- Lower diversity
California- Better weather
- Greater career options
- Vibrant social scene
- Rich cultural diversity
California- Noisier cities
- Urban congestion
- Higher living costs
- Less personal connection
Montana- Quiet living
- Nature access
- Lower living costs
- Close-knit communities
Relocating from Montana to California is more than just a change of scenery; it's a transition to a different lifestyle. In California, you'll find yourself enveloped in a diverse cultural scene, with access to some of the world's best restaurants, like N/Naka in Los Angeles, and iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Your career options expand with major tech hubs in Silicon Valley and entertainment capitals in Hollywood. However, this comes with a trade-off in terms of higher living costs and urban congestion, challenging the serene and more affordable lifestyle you might have grown accustomed to in Montana. The vibrant social scene and better weather in California offer enticing benefits, but it's essential to consider how the change in community dynamics and cost of living may affect your day-to-day life.
Montana vs. California Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between Montana & California reveals stark contrasts and unique flavors emblematic of each state’s culture. By delving into this comparison, you'll gain insights into what culinary experiences await in your new home, making the transition more exciting and flavorful.
| Montana | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Bison Steak | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Elk Burgers | Tri-tip BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Huckleberry Pie | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Bowl | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Montana and California offer vastly different culinary landscapes that reflect their unique cultures and lifestyles. In Montana, the cuisine leans heavily on locally sourced wild game, with dishes like bison steak and elk burgers being prevalent, especially in restaurants around areas like Bozeman and Missoula. On the other side, California's food scene, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, is marked by an eclectic mix of cuisines that emphasize fresh, local ingredients. Street tacos and avocado toast epitomize the state’s love for Mexican cuisine and vegan options, respectively. The Golden State's climate allows for year-round fresh produce, making it a haven for vegan and health-conscious diners. Whether you're dining at the critically acclaimed Chez Panisse in Berkeley or grabbing a quick bite at a food truck along Venice Beach, California's gastronomy is as diverse as its landscape.
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Montana vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is crucial when considering a move. Understanding how Montana and California stack up against each other in housing can significantly impact your decision. This comparison delves into costs, statistics, architecture, and more.
| Comparison | Montana | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch/Cabin | Modern/Spanish Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Big Sky/Mountain Views | Beach Access/Urban Amenities |
When comparing real estate in Montana and California, it's clear that lifestyle and costs significantly diverge. California's higher median home prices and rent reflect its more urbanized and dense lifestyle, offering closer proximity to amenities and a strong emphasis on modern and Spanish Colonial architectural styles. In contrast, Montana presents a more affordable housing market, with architecture leaning towards ranch and cabin styles, emphasizing the state's natural landscapes. Walkability and bikeability scores are higher in California, catering to those seeking an urban lifestyle. Meanwhile, Montana's listings often highlight its abundant natural beauty, offering a different kind of value to potential buyers.
Montana vs. California Weather Considerations
Moving between states means adapting to new weather patterns. It's crucial to understand the climate differences you'll encounter. This comparison will underline how the weather varies between Montana and California, enlightening you on average temperatures, sunshine days, and more, preparing you for what awaits.
Montana
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Montana
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Montana
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Montana
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Montana | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Varies widely |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Wildfires | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Montana and California both promise diverse landscapes, the shift from Montana's colder, more pronounced seasons to California's milder climate can be significant. California's expansive coastlines offer a warmer winter, less snow, and more sunshine days, ideal for those seeking an outdoor lifestyle year-round. However, adjusting to California's pronounced wildfire season and potential for earthquakes requires new preparedness compared to Montana's snowstorms. The difference in air quality and seasonal allergies may also impact your day-to-day life, making it important to consider these factors in your move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Montana to California
When planning to relocate, it's crucial to compare the economic landscape of your current and future home. This guide offers a snapshot of how Montana's financial environment compares with California's , helping ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.
| Comparison | Montana | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,631 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 6.9 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.85 | 0.77 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0 | 7.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Tourism, Forestry | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Mid-range | High |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Higher |
Moving from Montana to California, you'll face a significant change in the cost of living, primarily due to higher housing and consumer goods prices. While the average household income is higher in California, the state's income tax and sales tax are considerably higher as well. This transition might require adjustments in your budgeting to accommodate the increased expenses. Notably, California's robust economy, powered by technology and entertainment industries, offers abundant employment opportunities, possibly offsetting the higher cost of living for many.
Montana vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Montana to California presents a unique opportunity to experience a diverse array of cultures, lifestyles, and beliefs. In this quick overview, we aim to provide you with a glimpse into the political and religious makeup of the comparison between Montana & California, giving you a better understanding of the communities you'll be transitioning between.
| Montana | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | Community-focused | Wide-ranging, urban to rural issues |
| Religion | Christian majority | Diverse religious landscape |
While Montana and California both boast vibrant communities, their cultural landscapes differ significantly, particularly when it comes to politics and religion. In Montana, you'll find a political climate that is generally more conservative, with local politics often focusing on community-related issues. The majority of the population identifies as Christian, reflecting a more homogeneous religious backdrop. Conversely, California is known for its liberal stance on many matters, embracing a broad spectrum of viewpoints due to its diverse population. This state's political discussions span a vast array of topics, from urban development to environmental conservation, tied together by a widely varied religious composition that mirrors its multicultural inhabitants.
Education Guide When Moving from Montana to California
Moving from Montana to California offers a fresh landscape, especially in terms of education. To assist in this transition, we have prepared a comparison chart focusing on the educational options available in both states. This comparison aims to help new residents better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Montana and California, offering insights into various educational pathways and the quality of institutions available.
| Montana | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Montana Montana State University Carroll CollegeUniversity of California Los Angeles Stanford University California Institute of Technology | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman) Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula) Morning Star Elementary (Bozeman)Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes) Ocean Air School (San Diego) Westlake Elementary School (Santa Cruz) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Sacajawea Middle (Bozeman) Washington Middle (Missoula) East Middle (Great Falls)Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego) Redwood Middle (Saratoga) Miller Middle (San Jose) | |
Top 3 High Schools Bozeman High School (Bozeman) Hellgate High School (Missoula) Capital High School (Helena)Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) Torrey Pines High School (San Diego) Lynbrook High School (San Jose) | |
Top 3 private high schools Billings Central Catholic High School (Billings) Missoula Loyola High School (Missoula) Great Falls Central Catholic High School (Great Falls)Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Phillips Academy (Andover) The College Preparatory School (Oakland) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Petra Academy (Bozeman) Valley Christian School (Missoula) Missoula International School (Missoula)The Nueva School (Hillsborough) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The Harker School (San Jose) | |
Top 3 School Districts Bozeman High School District Missoula Elementary School District Billings Public SchoolsSan Ramon Valley Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District Irvine Unified School District | |
When comparing education in Montana and California, several nuances become apparent. Montana offers a blend of public and private institutions that are well-regarded within the state, with an emphasis on community and smaller class sizes. For example, the University of Montana and Montana State University are popular choices for graduates, highlighting the state's focus on local education pathways. On the other hand, California boasts prestigious institutions like Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology, reflecting its status as a hub for technological innovation and research. Additionally, California's top elementary and high schools, such as Ocean Air School in San Diego and Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto, cater to a diverse student body and offer a wide range of extracurriculars and advanced placement courses, indicative of a highly competitive landscape. This comparison underlines the distinct educational cultures present in both states, providing a broad spectrum of opportunities for incoming residents.
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