($588+) Denver, CO to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $588 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,822 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 896 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,957, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,822 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,118 - $3,761, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $588 - $1,666.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,495 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Denver to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,495 - $5,789 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 75% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 896-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 896-mile route from Denver to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,957 - $4,805 with full-service movers, $1,118 - $2,109 with a container, $588 - $1,064 with a rental truck, or $1,007 - $1,771 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,495 - $5,789 full-service, $1,354 - $2,872 by container, $634 - $1,278 by rental truck, or $1,128 - $2,253 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,265 - $7,822 full-service, $1,859 - $3,761 by container, $803 - $1,666 by rental truck, or $1,548 - $2,980 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 896-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Missoula, Montana, with prices running from $1,957 - $7,822. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $366 - $2,440 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Denver and Missoula are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Denver movers tend to run around $262 as a base rate plus $115/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,957 - $4,805
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,495 - $5,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,265 - $7,822
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Denver to Missoula.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 48% of Denver movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Missoula, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing70% of local movers | $610 - $6,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready48% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $244 - $1,464/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $366 - $2,928 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,220 - $3,660 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,050 - $12,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $914 - $1,736 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $1,220 - $3,050 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $976 - $4,270 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $366 - $1,830 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $793 - $2,440 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $366 - $18,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $366 - $4,270+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Denver, CO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,118 and $3,761. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Missoula. If you go over that window, storage in Denver adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,109
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,354 - $2,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,859 - $3,761
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $92 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $183 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Missoula, MT, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $854 in Denver, CO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,118. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,354 - $2,872.
What are the best moving containers Denver to Missoula?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Denver to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Denver:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Moving Brothers LLC (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 896-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $588 and $1,666, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $348 - $397
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $24
- Denver daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Denver to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $588 - $1,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $634 - $1,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $803 - $1,666
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $588 - $1,666 does not include fuel ($348 - $397), lodging ($183/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Denver to Missoula typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $183 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Denver, Colorado, usually costs about $854 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 896-mile drive falls between $348 and $397, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $61 and $366 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver to Missoula?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Denver, CO to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Denver, Colorado, to Missoula, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,098 and $2,253.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,007 - $1,771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,253
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,548 - $2,980
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $92 - $183 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for about five hours typically runs $854.
What are the best freight companies from Denver to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Denver, CO vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Denver on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 128 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,900/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $586,595 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $91,681/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 95/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 52.16/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Denver, CO guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Colorado to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Colorado alone has 278 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 896-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Denver, CO, to Missoula, MT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,957 for a studio to $7,822 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 896-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,118 - $3,761. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $588 - $1,666, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,495 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Missoula, MT
What do local movers charge in Denver?
Local movers based in Denver typically start around $262 as a base rate, plus $115/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Missoula run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 95 and 96 in Denver. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, compared to 52.16 and 47.84 in Denver. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Denver movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Denver handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.