($797+) Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,228 to $9,051, with an average cost of $3,500. Moves can be as low as $797 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,210 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Los Angeles to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,228 - $9,051 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,500, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,210 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,210-mile route from Los Angeles to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,228 - $5,381 | $1,244 - $2,382 | $789 - $1,521 | $1,120 - $2,188 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,911 - $6,625 | $1,755 - $3,252 | $854 - $1,771 | $1,324 - $2,601 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,608 - $9,051 | $2,263 - $4,262 | $1,083 - $2,138 | $1,792 - $3,768 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Hiring full-service movers from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $1,228 and $9,051. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,210-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $427 - $2,848, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Los Angeles and Missoula. For a rough baseline, movers based in Los Angeles tend to start around $200 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,228 - $5,381
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,911 - $6,625
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,608 - $9,051
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 Los Angeles to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $712 - $7,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $285 - $1,709/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $427 - $3,418 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,424 - $4,272 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,560 - $14,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,067 - $2,026 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,424 - $3,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,139 - $4,984 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $427 - $2,136 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $926 - $2,848 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $427 - $21,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $427 - $4,984+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Los Angeles, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,244 and $4,262. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Los Angeles typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $2,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,263 - $4,262
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $997, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $107 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $214 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and Missoula, MT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,244. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,755 - $3,252, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
A rental truck for this 1,210-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $789 and $2,138. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $548 - $627
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $789 - $1,521
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $854 - $1,771
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,083 - $2,138
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $789 - $2,138 when pricing out a rental truck from Los Angeles to Missoula. Fuel alone runs ($548 - $627) , and overnight lodging ($214/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $997.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $548 - $627 for the 1,210-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $85 and $463, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $214 per night for hotel stops on the 1,210-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $427 - $641.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,324 and $2,601.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,120 - $2,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,601
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,792 - $3,768
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $107 and $214.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $997.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 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 Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from California 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. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,210-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,210-mile route from Los Angeles, CA, to Missoula, MT, run $1,228 - $9,051 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,244 - $4,262, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $789 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,911, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Missoula, MT
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 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($548 - $627), daily insurance ($43/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $214/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.