Modesto, CA to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Missoula typically costs $2,700–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 963 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Missoula
Moving from Modesto, CA to Missoula, MT typically costs $2,700–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 963-mile move from Modesto to Missoula, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,118 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 05, 2026
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,300, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($700–$2,100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Missoula
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto to Missoula, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→MT movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Missoula
Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 13% less for singles and 2% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $5,832 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.75% |
- If you're heading to Missoula from Modesto, you'll find that rent is roughly 27% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 23% greater in Missoula than in Modesto.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 12% lower in Missoula compared to Modesto.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Missoula. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 13% lower than in Modesto.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Missoula and Modesto, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Missoula enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 45% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Modesto. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 49% less in Montana than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Missoula:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Missoula.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Modesto than in Missoula.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Missoula.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Missoula
| Modesto | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 60 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 64% less than Modesto.
- Missoula's public transportation score is within about 5% of Modesto, making them very similar.
- Missoula is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Missoula's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 33.27 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 66.73 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Missoula move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Montana doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Missoula. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Missoula
Now that you've decided to make the move to The Garden City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Missoula.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heart Of Missoula
- Lewis And Clark
- Farviews And Pattee
- Canyon River
- Front Lower
- Rattlesnake
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lewis And Clark
- Rose Park
- Miller Creek
- Riverfront Lower
- Rattlesnake
Things to do in Missoula
Once you're settled into your new home in Montana, it's time to get out and discover what Missoula has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Missoula, such as the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Missoula?
The best time to move from Modesto to Missoula is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Missoula?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Missoula, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Missoula take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Missoula, MT covers 963 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Missoula.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
