Top-rated local movers that handle Madison to Missoula moves
When planning a move from Madison to Missoula, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Madison who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Madison to Missoula.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Missoula?
Movers in Wisconsin charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,286 – $4,664 | $1,000 – $2,337 | $862 – $1,601 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,033 – $6,674 | $1,769 – $3,581 | $941 – $1,866 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,918 – $9,599 | $2,241 – $4,818 | $1,127 – $2,327 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Missoula
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Missoula, you can expect to spend between $1,286 and $4,664. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,033 to $6,674 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Missoula typically runs between $4,918 and $9,599.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Missoula
When moving from Madison to Missoula, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,000 and $2,337. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,769 to $3,581. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,241 up to $4,818. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Missoula
Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to Missoula. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $862 and $1,601. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $941 and $1,866. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,127 and $2,327.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Missoula
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,416, but larger homes can run up to $8,475.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($862–$2,084) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Missoula
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Missoula runs about -12% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,011 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $5,832 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 6.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 17% lower in Missoula than in Madison, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 48% higher in Missoula than in Madison.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 6% less in Missoula than in Madison.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Missoula, where the cost of living for a single person is 12% less than in Madison.
- If your journey leads to Missoula, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 7% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Missoula is 33% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Madison. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 12% lower in Montana compared to Wisconsin. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Missoula:
| Living Expense | Madison | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Missoula.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Missoula.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Missoula.
How life is different in Madison vs. Missoula
| Madison | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 60 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula’s population is about 71% less than Madison.
- Missoula’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Madison’s score of 6.
- Missoula is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Missoula has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Missoula and Madison have a similar crime rate with scores of 33.27 and 34.57, respectively.
- Missoula and Madison have a similar safety level, with scores of 66.73 and 65.43.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Missoula move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Montana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Missoula smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Missoula
Now that you’ve chosen The Garden City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Missoula to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Montana home, it’s time to see what Missoula is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Missoula offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Missoula?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Missoula are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Missoula?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Missoula are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Missoula take?
A move of 1,449 miles from Madison, WI to Missoula, generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Missoula is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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