($1,288+) Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

Moving from Arlington, VA, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,383 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,591 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,285 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,570, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,591 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,759 - $6,522, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,383 - $3,670.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,468 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

Moving options from Arlington to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,468 - $7,052 on this route, with movers handling 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 2,285-mile route typically takes 7 to 18 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,285-mile route from Arlington to Missoula, broken down by home size:

Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,570 - $5,356 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,759 - $3,566), rental truck ($1,383 - $2,489), or freight trailer ($1,600 - $3,054). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,468 - $7,052 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,591.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

Full-service movers for the 2,285-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $2,570 and $11,591. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $431 - $2,872, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Arlington typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Missoula:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,570 - $5,356
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,468 - $7,052
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,250 - $11,591

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 Arlington to Missoula.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$718 - $7,180
Storage in transitNew place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$287 - $1,723/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$431 - $3,446
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,436 - $4,308
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,590 - $14,360
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,076 - $2,043
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$1,436 - $3,590
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$1,149 - $5,026
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$431 - $2,154
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers$933 - $2,872
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$431 - $21,540+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$431 - $5,026+

What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Missoula?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Arlington, VA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,759 and $6,522. 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 Arlington runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Missoula:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,759 - $3,566
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,254 - $4,813
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,034 - $6,522

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 Arlington, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,005, 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 $108 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $215 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Arlington, VA, 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 $1,759. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,254 - $4,813, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Arlington to Missoula?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:

  • BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

Renting a moving truck for the 2,285-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $1,383 and $3,670, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,044 - $1,193
  • Daily insurance: $43/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
  • Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Missoula based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,383 - $2,489
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,394 - $3,180
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,815 - $3,670

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,383 - $3,670 does not include fuel ($1,044 - $1,193) , lodging ($215/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Arlington to Missoula typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $1,044 - $1,193 for the 2,285-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,005.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,285-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $215 per night, adding $431 - $646 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $72 and $431.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Missoula?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT

For larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Missoula, Montana.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,785 and $3,927.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Missoula:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,600 - $3,054
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,785 - $3,927
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,479 - $5,112

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 $108 and $215.
  • 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 Arlington, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $1,005.

What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Missoula?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.

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: Arlington, VA 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 Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Arlington, VA Missoula, MT
Cost of living index164113
Average rent$2,718/mo$1,322/mo
Median home value$866,334$426,764
Average income$140,160/yr$65,329/yr
Unemployment rate4.0%4.4%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 6.75%
Walkability score71/10045/100
Safety index79.15/10066.73/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Arlington, VA guide.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 2,285-mile route from Arlington, VA, to Missoula, MT, run $2,570 - $11,591 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,759 - $6,522, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,383 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,468, 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 Arlington, VA, to Missoula, MT

What is the cheapest way to move from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,394 - $3,180. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT?

Costs on this route range from around $2,570 to $11,591, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,570 and $11,591, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Arlington?

Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/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 percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.