Riverside, CA to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Riverside to Missoula typically costs $3,100–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,176 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Riverside to Missoula
Moving from Riverside, CA to Missoula, MT typically costs $3,100–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,176-mile move from Riverside to Missoula, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,552 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 01, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Riverside to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Riverside to Missoula may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Riverside.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA guide.
Best Riverside to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Riverside to Missoula
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Riverside to Missoula. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Riverside to Missoula
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Missoula runs about -22% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Riverside.
Singles spend around $2,011 in Missoula versus $2,573 in Riverside; families pay $5,832 compared with $5,604.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Riverside | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,163 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,270 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $642,297 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,755 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,573 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,604 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 42% less expensive in Missoula than in Riverside, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 15% cheaper in Missoula than in Riverside.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 23% less in Missoula than in Riverside.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Missoula. The cost of living for a single person there is 22% below that of Riverside.
- The cost of living for a family between Missoula and Riverside remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Missoula has a lower unemployment rate than Riverside by about 38%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Riverside. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 49% less in Montana compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Riverside versus Missoula:
| Living Expense | Riverside | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.50 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.02 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Riverside than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Riverside than in Missoula.
- Eggs cost more in Riverside than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Riverside than in Missoula.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Riverside than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Riverside than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Riverside than in Missoula.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Missoula
| Riverside | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 317,261 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 60 |
| Crime index | 40.24 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 59.76 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 75% less than Riverside.
- Missoula's public transportation score is within about 5% of Riverside, making them very similar.
- Missoula and Riverside are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Riverside, which has a score of 49 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 Riverside with a score of 33.27 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Riverside with a safety index of 66.73 vs Riverside's 59.76.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Riverside it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Riverside to Missoula move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Missoula. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Missoula
With your sights set on The Garden City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Missoula. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Missoula is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Riverside to Missoula?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Riverside to Missoula. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Riverside.
When is the cheapest time to move from Riverside to Missoula?
Want to save on your move from Riverside to Missoula? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Riverside to Missoula take?
The 1,176-mile move from Riverside, CA, to Missoula, MT, takes two to eight days. Some Riverside movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.
What kinds of discounts do Riverside movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Riverside?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 42 movers in Riverside provide piano moving services. 34 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
