Moving from Colorado to Montana (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 780-mile interstate move from Colorado to Montana. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 1,035 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Colorado to Montana?
The rates below are based on 1,035 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 780-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 - $3,910 | $770 - $1,920 | $540 - $980 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,370 - $5,870 | $1,420 - $2,530 | $590 - $1,200 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,900 - $8,370 | $1,870 - $3,650 | $740 - $1,400 |
Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 80% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
23% of movers in Colorado offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a Colorado to Montana move
The ranges above cover loading, 780 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Colorado to Montana) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $600 - $1,560 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $390 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $310 - $860 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $250 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $80 - $250 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $180 - $430 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $200 - $580 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $440 - $670 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 780-mile haul.
40% of movers in Colorado handle piano moves, 9% handle pool tables, and 24% handle safes. 12% of Colorado movers require a deposit to book, and 15% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Colorado to Montana Movers
These movers average a 89% positive review rate among Colorado movers we track.
Compare movers for your Colorado to Montana move
Here are the top long-distance movers in Colorado we've reviewed that can help with your move to Montana:
1% of Colorado movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
1800 Wazee St, Ste 343, Denver, CO 80202
4015 John Deer Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80524
7301 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80220
2216 Airway Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524
1701 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80214
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Alternate Colorado to Montana moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Colorado to Montana move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 80% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Colorado run $60 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Montana end. 38% of movers in Colorado offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Colorado on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Montana for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $325 - $814 to rent in Colorado, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Colorado to Montana move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montana to Colorado guide.
Colorado to Montana cost of living comparison
moveBuddha tracks moving trends across every major U.S. route. Cost of living, job markets, housing affordability, and lifestyle are the top drivers of state-to-state moves. Here's how Colorado and Montana compare on the factors that most commonly drive this relocation:
| Factor | Colorado | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 100 |
| Average household income | $87,598 | $66,341 |
| Median home value | $541,072 | $462,631 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 6.75% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,594 | $974 |
| Average sales tax | 7.81% | 0.0% |
| Crime index | 36.4 | 23.37 |
| College graduation rate | 44.42% | 34.8% |
| Population | 5,877,610 | 1,132,812 |
Montana has a higher cost of living than Colorado, so most people moving in this direction are doing so for career, family, or lifestyle reasons rather than affordability. Budget for higher housing costs and day-to-day expenses compared to what you're used to in Colorado.
Montana's largest industries are Real estate and rental and leasing ($7.1 billion), Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($5.4 billion), and Professional and business services ($3.9 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Colorado to Montana
Are full-service movers worth it for a Colorado to Montana move?
People making this move are often chasing unmatched natural beauty in Montana.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 55% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
Decluttering before the move saves about $140 - $650 for every 500 pounds cut. Moving off-season saves 20% - 30%, and a Tuesday - Thursday, mid-month pickup saves another 10% - 30%. Among Colorado movers, 12.32% offer a military discount, 4.71% offer a senior discount, and 1.09% offer a student discount. Get at least 3 quotes and ask if any will price-match a lower one.
How does the cost of living in Montana compare to Colorado?
Montana's cost of living index of 100 is higher than Colorado's 91 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel pricier. Average rent runs $1,594 in Colorado versus $974 in Montana. Crime index is 36.4 in Colorado vs 23.37 in Montana. 34.8% of Montana adults hold a college degree, versus 44.42% in Colorado.
What's the cheapest way to move from Colorado to Montana?
A rental truck is cheapest: $590 - $1,200 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 80% less than full-service. At 780 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $251 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,420 - $2,530, about 55% less than full-service) skip the drive entirely. Use our moving cost calculator to compare all 3 for your move size.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Colorado at Colorado's official regulatorandin Montana at Montana's official regulator.
Popular Colorado to Montana moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Colorado to Montana corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
- Denver, CO to Billings, MT Movers
- Denver, CO to Missoula, MT Movers
- Colorado Springs, CO to Billings, MT Movers
- Aurora, CO to Billings, MT Movers
- Colorado Springs, CO to Missoula, MT Movers
- Aurora, CO to Missoula, MT Movers
- Fort Collins, CO to Billings, MT Movers
- Fort Collins, CO to Missoula, MT Movers
- Browse All Colorado Routes
Moving from Colorado to Montana: the bottom line
The cost to move from Colorado to Montana depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 55% - 80% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 780-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.