How Much Do California to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,307 miles from California to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Montana

ConsCalifornia

• High housing costs
• Heavy traffic
• High state taxes
• High cost of living
• Crowded cities
• Smoggy air
• Parking headaches
• Expensive car insurance
• Water shortages
• Long commutes
• Noisy neighborhoods
• High utility rates
• Complex regulations
• Higher gas prices

ProsMontana

• Lower home prices
• Light traffic
• No sales tax
• Lower living costs
• Wide open spaces
• Cleaner air
• Easy parking
• Cheaper insurance
• Many lakes and rivers
• Shorter commutes
• Quieter communities
• Lower utility costs
• Simpler permitting
• Lower gas prices

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Montana

• Harsher winter cold
• No ocean coastline
• Smaller job market
• Fewer dining options
• Fewer flight routes
• Limited public transit
• Fewer museums, theaters
• Few entertainment jobs
• Fewer university options
• Fewer tech roles
• Shorter market season
• Fewer specialists nearby
• Few pro sports teams

California

• Mild winter climate
• Ocean access
• Large job market
• Diverse cuisine scene
• Major international airports
• Public transit options
• Rich cultural amenities
• Entertainment industry hub
• Top-ranked universities
• Tech career opportunities
• Year-round farmers markets
• Extensive healthcare network
• Numerous pro sports teams

Pros of moving from California to Montana

• Say goodbye to high housing costs and hello to lower home prices
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Montana with light traffic
• Swap the high state taxes of California for no sales tax in Montana
• Get ready for lower living costs in Montana

Cons of moving from California to Montana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild winter climate in California to live with the harsher winter cold in Montana
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean access and have to settle for the con of no ocean coastline
• Time to bid farewell to a large job market and get used to a smaller job market in Montana
• Swap the diverse cuisine scene for fewer dining options

California vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Montana, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious huckleberry pie of Montana. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip steak and sumptuous fish tacos, Montana residents know they have tasty bison steak and elk burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the lentil stew of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Spago. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Caffe Dolce, The Emerson Grill, and Uptown Cafe.

When comparing lifestyles, Montana shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Montana, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Montana.