($1,338) Movers From California to Missoula

Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Missoula, MT averages from $837 to $6,880 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

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Moving from California to Missoula, MT resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Missoula, MT.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best California to Missoula, MT movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Missoula, MT.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • California to Missoula, MT car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 1,081 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Missoula, MT moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Missoula is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Missoula.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from California to Missoula, MT?

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

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,338 - $5,003 $914 - $2,276 $721 - $1,400
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,754 - $6,880 $1,655 - $3,172 $837 - $1,732
4+ bedrooms $4,624 - $8,513 $2,191 - $4,533 $979 - $2,005

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,081 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from California to Missoula, MT will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Missoula?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Missoula will cost between $1,338 to $5,003. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Missoula will range from $2,754 to $6,880, and a large move from California to Missoula will cost from $4,624 to $8,513.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Missoula?

Moving containers from California to Missoula will cost you $914 to $2,276 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,655 to $3,172. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,191 to $4,533.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Missoula.

How much is a moving truck from California to Missoula?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Missoula, 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 $721 to $1,400. A larger move will cost $837 to $1,732, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Missoula costs from $979 to $2,005. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.

Is moving from California to Missoula, MT a good idea?

Cost of living: California vs Missoula, MT

California Missoula
Average rent cost $1,586 $1,345
Average home value $746,055 $539,357
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $57,597
Unemployment rate 5% 4%
State income tax 13% 7%
  • Rent is about 15% less expensive in Missoula than in California.
  • Home prices are about 28% lower in Missoula than in California.
  • The average income is about 37% lower in Missoula than in California.
  • Missoula has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 8%.
  • Income taxes are 49% lower in Missoula than in California.

How is life different in Missoula from California?

Missoula California
Population 73,489 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 61-37 Democratic 63-34
Summer high 85ºF 87ºF
Winter low 16ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 15" 22"
Annual snow 40" 7"
Crime index 33.27 27.88
  • The population of Missoula is approximately 100% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Missoula voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Missoula is 85ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Missoula reaches the temperature of 16ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Missoula vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Missoula, it snows about 40 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Missoula has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 33.27 vs 27.88.

Considerations for moving to Missoula, MT

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Air 1 Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA, 91311
(866) 485-1030
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
(805) 544-6328

Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local Missoula mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Lanes Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
9562 Futurity Dr Suite B, Missoula, MT, 59808
(406) 400-9616
Montana Transfer Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.28 overall rating
209 Commerce, Missoula, MT, 59808
(406) 728-8080

Visit our best movers in Missoula page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Missoula?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Missoula.

Museums in Missoula

  • Fort Missoula Museum
  • Missoula Art Museum
  • Montana Natural History Center
  • Museum of Mountain Flying

Parks in Missoula

  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  • Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
  • Caras Park
  • Blue Mountain Recreational Area
  • McCormick Park
  • Pattee Canyon

Sports Teams in Missoula

  • Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)

Universities in Missoula

  • The University of Montana
  • University Of Montana School Of Forestry
  • University of Montana
  • University of Montana School of Music

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Missoula?

Because of the 1081-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Missoula as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Missoula, MT?

With the summer highs of 85ºF and the winter lows of 16ºF, most people move to Missoula from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Missoula during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Missoula?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Missoula.

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