Billings to Missoula Movers & Costs (2026)
A Billings to Missoula, MT move (~344 miles) starts around $340 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $7,494 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Baker Transfer & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.22 out of 5 stars across 39 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $105/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Billings
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Billings to Missoula?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Billings to Missoula are regulated by Montana law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Montana intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Montana companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Baker Transfer & Storage (4.22/5) as the top local pick, followed by Aaron's Back Company (4.22/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Billings to Missoula moves complete in 1 - 4 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 25+ Montana movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Billings to Missoula?
A move from Billings to Missoula runs $340 to $7,494*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $1,201 - $7,494
- Moving containers: $854 - $2,670
- Rental trucks: $340 - $795
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,201 - $4,438 | $854 - $1,466 | $340 - $561 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,939 - $5,282 | $1,081 - $1,996 | $358 - $664 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,858 - $7,494 | $1,458 - $2,670 | $445 - $795 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 25+ Montana moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Billings, MT movers.
How Billings to Missoula moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $105 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,260.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. | Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Billings to Missoula
Moving from Billings to Missoula is a job for local and regional Montana movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Baker Transfer & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.22 out of 5 stars across 39 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Billings to Missoula
Local movers operating within Montana know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.22 / 5
- Years in Business: 15
- 85% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.22 / 5
- Years in Business: 19
- 97% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
3.98 / 5
- 90% positive reviews
- BBB:
Our top local picks:
- Baker Transfer & Storage (4.22/5 stars): 84.6% positive customer ratings.
- Aaron's Back Company (4.22/5 stars): 97.3% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (3.98/5 stars): 90.4% positive customer ratings.
- McKell Brothers Hauling Inc. (3.78/5 stars): 98.9% positive customer ratings.
- Suhr Transport (3.36/5 stars): 81.8% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 6 movers in Billings, drawing on 613 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Billings to Missoula
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Billings, MT
Billings residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Montana moving resources
How does Missoula compare to Billings?
Cost of living: Billings vs. Missoula
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Billings | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,322 |
| Average home cost | $310,937 | $426,764 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,855 | $65,329 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,773 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,536 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.4% |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Billings and Missoula comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 25+ Montana moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Missoula match Billings. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in Missoula are 37% higher than Billings. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Missoula is 9% lower than Billings. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Missoula is 13% higher than Billings. Plan to add roughly 13% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Missoula is 29% higher than Billings. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Missoula runs 7% higher than Billings. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Neither Billings nor Missoula has a sales tax, so everyday purchases like clothing, dining, and electronics won't cost extra at checkout in either location.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,390 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Billings.
How life is different in Billings vs. Missoula
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Missoula might look different from Billings in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Billings | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,167 | 77,757 |
| Political leaning | Republican 61-37 | Democratic 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 15" |
| Annual snow | 46" | 40" |
| Crime index | 48.63 | 33.27 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Montana can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 32% of movers in Montana, vs 23% nationally).
- Missoula is 58% smaller in size than Billings. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Missoula voted Democratic and Billings voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Missoula (85°F) match Billings (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Billings (16°F) and Missoula (16°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Billings (14 inches) and Missoula (15 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Billings is 46 inches, vs. 40 inches in Missoula. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
- Crime index in Missoula (33.27) is lower than Billings (48.63). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Missoula
Missoula balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
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
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
Final verdict: Billings to Missoula movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Montana service. For smaller moves, Baker Transfer & Storage (4.22/5) is the top local choice, with 84.6% positive reviews across 39 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $340 - $7,494, based on our analysis of 25+ Montana movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Billings to Missoula
How much is a moving truck from Billings to Missoula?
A rental truck from Billings to Missoula costs $333 - $572 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $358 - $664 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $445 - $795 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How far in advance should I book Billings-to-Missoula movers?
Book your Billings to Missoula movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Missoula?
The cheapest time to move to Missoula is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
Is moving from Billings to Missoula considered a long-distance move?
A move from Billings to Missoula is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Montana law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Montana intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
How long does a move from Billings to Missoula take?
Most moves from Billings to Missoula take 1 - 4 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.