($1,164+) Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,225 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,552 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,046 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,744, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,552 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,666 - $5,806, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,225 - $3,308.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,681 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga to Missoula: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,681 - $7,826. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 6 to 17 days for this 2,046-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,046-mile route from Chattanooga 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 $2,744 - $5,821 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,666 - $3,228), rental truck ($1,225 - $2,411), or freight trailer ($1,545 - $2,963). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,681 - $7,826 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,552.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,046-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $2,744 - $12,552. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $298 - $1,984. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chattanooga and Missoula. Local movers in Chattanooga typically start around $280 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,744 - $5,821
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,681 - $7,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,899 - $12,552
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 Chattanooga to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chattanooga 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $496 - $4,960 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $198 - $1,190/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,381 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $992 - $2,976 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,480 - $9,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $743 - $1,412 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $992 - $2,480 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $794 - $3,472 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $298 - $1,488 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $645 - $1,984 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,880+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,472+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chattanooga, TN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,666 and $5,806. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chattanooga costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,666 - $3,228
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,264 - $4,526
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,893 - $5,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chattanooga, TN and Missoula, MT. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $694 in Chattanooga, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $149 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,666. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,264 - $4,526, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT
Plan on $1,225 - $3,308 for a rental moving truck on the 2,046-mile route from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Missoula, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $646 - $738
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Chattanooga to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,225 - $2,411
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,286 - $2,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,741 - $3,308
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,225 - $3,308 when pricing out a rental truck from Chattanooga to Missoula. Fuel alone runs ($646 - $738) , and overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $149 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $64 and $322 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $646 - $738 in fuel for the 2,046-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $694 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,706 and $3,549.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,545 - $2,963
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,706 - $3,549
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,457 - $4,838
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $74 - $149 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about five hours typically runs $694.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Covenant Logistics (4.8/5 stars): Covenant Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chattanooga, TN | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,475/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $259,125 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $61,028/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 46.11/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from Tennessee to Montana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 70 movers in our Tennessee network to compare for this 2,046-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chattanooga, TN, 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 $2,744 - $12,552 on the 2,046-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,666 - $5,806, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,225 - $3,308. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,681 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 Chattanooga, TN, to Missoula, MT
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 are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 29 and 35 in Chattanooga. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, compared to 46.11 and 53.89 in Chattanooga. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
