Austin, TX to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Austin to Missoula typically costs $3,600–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,806 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Austin to Missoula
Moving from Austin, TX to Missoula, MT typically costs $3,600–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,806-mile move from Austin 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 $5,668 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Austin to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Austin to Missoula may only cost $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Austin.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,100–$3,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Austin, TX guide.
Best Austin to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Austin to Missoula
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Austin 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 TX→MT movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 291 Texas 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 Austin to Missoula
Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Austin - roughly 40% less for singles and 25% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it's $5,832 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 25% less expensive in Missoula than in Austin, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 7% steeper in Missoula compared to Austin.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 13% less in Missoula than in Austin.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Missoula. The cost of living for a single person there is 40% below that of Austin.
- A move to Missoula can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 25% lower compared to Austin.
- Missoula has a higher unemployment rate than Austin by about 26%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Austin. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Montana has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Austin versus Missoula:
| Living Expense | Austin | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Austin than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Missoula.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Austin than in Missoula.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Austin than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in Missoula.
How life is different in Austin vs. Missoula
| Austin | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 60 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 92% less than Austin.
- Missoula's public transportation score is within about 5% of Austin, making them very similar.
- Missoula is more walkable than Austin with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 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 Austin with a score of 33.27 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Austin with a safety index of 66.73 vs Austin's 59.87.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Austin it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin 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 Austin to Missoula?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Austin to Missoula. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Missoula?
Want to save on your move from Austin 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 Austin to Missoula take?
The 1,806-mile move from Austin, TX, to Missoula, MT, takes five to 16 days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.
What kinds of discounts do Austin movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Austin?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 18 movers in Austin provide piano moving services. 13 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 176 piano movers and 120 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.
