Lafayette, LA to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Lafayette to Missoula typically costs $3,700–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,062 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Lafayette to Missoula
Moving from Lafayette, LA to Missoula, MT typically costs $3,700–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,062-mile move from Lafayette to Missoula, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,488 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Dec 03, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Lafayette to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Lafayette to Missoula may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Lafayette.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,300–$3,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA guide.
Best Lafayette to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Lafayette to Missoula
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Lafayette to Missoula. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best LA→MT movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 32 Louisiana moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Missoula
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Missoula runs about 13% higher for singles and 39% higher for families than Lafayette.
Singles spend around $2,011 in Missoula versus $1,785 in Lafayette; families pay $5,832 compared with $4,208.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lafayette | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,200 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,725 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $214,264 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,785 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,208 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.45% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 53% less expensive in Missoula than in Lafayette, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 154% steeper in Missoula compared to Lafayette.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Missoula and Lafayette are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Missoula, with the cost of living for a single person being 13% more than in Lafayette. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Missoula, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 39% higher than in Lafayette.
- Missoula has a lower unemployment rate than Lafayette by about 24%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Lafayette. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 59% more in Montana than in Louisiana. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Lafayette versus Missoula:
| Living Expense | Lafayette | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $244.46 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $52.00 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.99 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $76.11 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $61.33 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lafayette than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lafayette than in Missoula.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lafayette than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Lafayette than in Missoula.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lafayette than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Lafayette than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lafayette than in Missoula.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Missoula
| Lafayette | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,374 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 60 |
| Crime index | 45.75 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 54.25 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 36% less than Lafayette.
- Missoula's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Lafayette's score of 3.
- Missoula is more walkable than Lafayette with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Missoula's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 33.27 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Lafayette with a safety index of 66.73 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Lafayette it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette to Missoula move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Missoula. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Missoula
With your sights set on The Garden City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.
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
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Missoula. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Missoula is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Missoula?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lafayette to Missoula. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Missoula?
Want to save on your move from Lafayette to Missoula? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Lafayette to Missoula take?
The 2,062-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Missoula, MT, takes six to 17 days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lafayette?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 2 movers in Lafayette provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 18 piano movers and 11 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
