Missoula to Billings Movers & Costs (2026)

A Missoula to Billings, MT move (~342 miles) starts around $311 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $7,194 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.

Local movers such as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.34 out of 5 stars across 190 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $150/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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Off-peak savings available · November

November is a low-cost month to move in Missoula

Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.

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What are the best ways to move from Missoula to Billings?

Did you know: Intrastate moves like Missoula to Billings 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 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.34/5) as the top local pick, followed by All Lanes Moving & Storage (4.36/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.

Here's a closer look at each moving option:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service TWO MEN AND A TRUCK $1,919 - $5,554 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,136 - $2,206 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $330 - $734 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only $150/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Did you know: Most Missoula to Billings 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 Missoula to Billings?

A move from Missoula to Billings runs $311 to $7,194*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.

Here's what each option costs:

  • Full-service movers: $1,225 - $7,194
  • Moving containers: $862 - $2,590
  • Rental trucks: $311 - $837

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 $1,225 - $4,096 $862 - $1,497 $311 - $608
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,919 - $5,554 $1,136 - $2,206 $330 - $734
4+ bedrooms $3,037 - $7,194 $1,473 - $2,590 $414 - $837

*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 Missoula, MT movers.

How Missoula to Billings moving costs break down

It'll cost you about $150 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 $1,800.

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
25% of Missoula movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: Moving On Up LLC
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 Missoula to Billings

Moving from Missoula to Billings 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. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.34 out of 5 stars across 190 verified customer reviews.

Best local & regional movers from Missoula to Billings

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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.34 / 5
  • Years in Business: 9
  • 82% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.36 / 5
  • Years in Business: 26
  • 95% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
  • Years in Business: 62
  • 27% positive reviews
  • BBB: B-

Our top local picks:

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.34/5 stars): 82.1% positive customer ratings.
  2. All Lanes Moving & Storage (4.36/5 stars): 94.5% positive customer ratings.
  3. Montana Transfer (4.2/5 stars): 26.9% positive customer ratings.
  4. Moving On Up LLC (3.28/5 stars): 99.2% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 4 movers in Missoula, drawing on 396 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.

Best national carriers from Missoula to Billings

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.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our top national picks:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 Missoula, MT

Missoula residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.

How does Billings compare to Missoula?

Cost of living: Missoula vs. Billings

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.

Missoula Billings
Average rent cost $1,322 $1,300
Average home cost $426,764 $310,937
Average income (per capita) $65,329 $71,855
Cost of living (single person) $2,011 $1,773
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,832 $4,536
Unemployment rate 4.4% 4.1%
Average sales tax 0.0% 0.0%

Cost-of-living data for Missoula and Billings 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 Billings match Missoula. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
  • Home prices in Billings are 27% lower than Missoula. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
  • Average income in Billings is 10% higher than Missoula. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
  • Cost of living for one person in Billings is 12% lower than Missoula. The savings typically free up 12% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Billings is 22% lower than Missoula. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
  • Unemployment in Billings runs 7% lower than Missoula. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
  • Neither Missoula nor Billings 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 $2,640 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Missoula.

How life is different in Missoula vs. Billings

Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Billings might look different from Missoula in ways that matter more once you've settled in.

Missoula Billings
Population77,757184,167
Political leaningDemocratic 58.4-38.5Republican 61-37
Summer high85ºF88ºF
Winter low16ºF16ºF
Annual rain15"14"
Annual snow40"46"
Crime index33.2748.63

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).

  • Billings is 137% larger in size than Missoula. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
  • In the last presidential election, Billings voted Republican and Missoula voted Democratic.
  • Summer highs in Billings (88°F) match Missoula (85°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows in Missoula (16°F) and Billings (16°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
  • Annual rainfall in Missoula (15 inches) and Billings (14 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall in Billings is 46 inches, vs. 40 inches in Missoula. Plan for snow tires, plowing services, and a longer winter season.
  • Crime index in Billings (48.63) is higher than Missoula (33.27). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.

Things to do in Billings

Billings balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.

Museums in Billings

  • Moss Mansion
  • Yellowstone Art Museum
  • Western Heritage Center
  • Yellowstone County Museum
  • Wise Wonders Children's Museum

Parks in Billings

  • The Rimrocks
  • ZooMontana
  • DanWalt Gardens
  • Pictograph Cave State Park
  • Pioneer Park

Sports teams in Billings

  • Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC)

Universities in Billings

  • Montana State University Billings
  • Rocky Mountain College

Final verdict: Missoula to Billings 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, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.34/5) is the top local choice, with 82.1% positive reviews across 190 ratings.

Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $311 - $7,194, based on our analysis of 25+ Montana movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from Missoula to Billings

How much is a moving truck from Missoula to Billings?

A rental truck from Missoula to Billings costs $314 - $602 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $330 - $734 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $414 - $837 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 Missoula-to-Billings movers?

Book your Missoula to Billings 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 Billings?

The cheapest time to move to Billings 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 Missoula to Billings considered a long-distance move?

A move from Missoula to Billings 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 Missoula to Billings take?

Most moves from Missoula to Billings 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.