($722+) Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT ranges from $1,158 to $8,622, with an average cost of $3,250. Moves can be as low as $722 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.
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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 $1,158 - $8,622 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% 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 | $1,158 - $4,831 | $1,210 - $2,178 | $752 - $1,463 | $1,146 - $2,022 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,586 - $5,936 | $1,624 - $3,259 | $813 - $1,790 | $1,338 - $2,530 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,347 - $8,622 | $2,220 - $4,147 | $1,042 - $2,183 | $1,656 - $3,419 |
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 Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
For the 1,210-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, full-service movers cost between $1,158 and $8,622. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $427 - $2,848 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Los Angeles generally start around $200 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,158 - $4,831
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,586 - $5,936
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,347 - $8,622
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.
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: 56% of Los Angeles 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 packing78% of local movers | $712 - $7,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $285 - $1,709/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $427 - $3,418 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% 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 items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,424 - $3,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,139 - $4,984 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $427 - $2,136 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Los Angeles, CA, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,210 and $4,147. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Los Angeles runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,210 - $2,178
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,624 - $3,259
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,220 - $4,147
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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Montana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,210. 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 $1,624 - $3,259.
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:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 1,210-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $752 and $2,183, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $752 - $1,463
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $813 - $1,790
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,042 - $2,183
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $752 - $2,183. But once you factor in fuel ($548 - $627), overnight lodging ($214/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $214 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 Los Angeles, California, usually costs about $997 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,210-mile drive falls between $548 and $627, 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 $71 and $427 to your total.
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 a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Los Angeles, California, to Missoula, Montana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,338 and $2,530.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,146 - $2,022
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 - $3,419
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Los Angeles, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $997.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $107 - $214 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Missoula fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quote from California to Montana, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,210-mile move.
Our take
A move from Los Angeles, CA, to Missoula, MT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,158 - $8,622 on the 1,210-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,210 - $4,147, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $752 - $2,183. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,586 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
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
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 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 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.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $722 to $8,622, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,158 and $8,622, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.