($1,238+) McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,176 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,025 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,057 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 $2,548, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,025 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,626 - $5,912, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,176 - $3,379.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,482 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from McAllen 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 $3,482 - $8,080. 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 2,057-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 2,057-mile route from McAllen to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,548 - $5,690 | $1,626 - $3,283 | $1,176 - $2,318 | $1,525 - $3,014 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,482 - $8,080 | $2,257 - $4,468 | $1,380 - $2,873 | $1,700 - $3,539 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,595 - $12,025 | $3,124 - $5,912 | $1,726 - $3,379 | $2,426 - $5,022 |
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 McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,057-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, with prices running from $2,548 - $12,025. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $272 - $1,816 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between McAllen and Missoula are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, McAllen movers tend to run around $160 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McAllen to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,548 - $5,690
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,482 - $8,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,595 - $12,025
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 McAllen to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 57% of McAllen 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 packing71% of local movers | $454 - $4,540 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | $182 - $1,090/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $272 - $2,179 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $908 - $2,724 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,270 - $9,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $680 - $1,292 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Rick's Moving & Storage LLC | $908 - $2,270 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc. | $726 - $3,178 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling57% of local movers | $272 - $1,362 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $590 - $1,816 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $272 - $13,620+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $272 - $3,178+ |
What are the best full-service movers from McAllen 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in McAllen, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,626 and $5,912. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Missoula. If you go over that window, storage in McAllen adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McAllen to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,626 - $3,283
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,257 - $4,468
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,124 - $5,912
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both McAllen, TX 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 $636 in McAllen, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $136 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Montana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,626. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,257 - $4,468, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers McAllen 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 McAllen 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 McAllen:
- Groves Moving and Storage (3.5/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
A rental truck for this 2,057-mile move from McAllen, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $1,176 and $3,379. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $594 - $679
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- McAllen daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 McAllen to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,176 - $2,318
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,380 - $2,873
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,379
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from McAllen to Missoula starts at $1,176 - $3,379, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($594 - $679) , overnight lodging ($136/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $136 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 $59 and $295 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $594 - $679 in fuel for the 2,057-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $636 in McAllen, Texas, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McAllen 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 McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT
For larger DIY moves from McAllen, Texas, 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 $1,700 and $3,539.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McAllen to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,525 - $3,014
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,700 - $3,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,426 - $5,022
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 $68 - $136 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in McAllen, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $636.
What are the best freight companies from McAllen 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.
- Royal Freight Lp (4.66/5 stars): Royal Freight Lp 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from McAllen to Missoula. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: McAllen, TX 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 McAllen on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | McAllen, TX | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 76 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $173,919 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $60,165/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 63.74/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 McAllen, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Texas to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Texas alone has 289 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,057-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from McAllen, TX, to Missoula, MT, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,548 - $12,025 on the 2,057-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,626 - $5,912 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,176 - $3,379 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,482 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from McAllen, TX, 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 do local movers charge in McAllen?
Local movers based in McAllen typically start around $160 as a base rate, plus $80/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.
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.
How much does it cost to move from McAllen, TX to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $2,548 to $12,025, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,548 and $12,025, 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 is the cheapest way to move from McAllen, TX 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 $1,380 - $2,873. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of McAllen movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in McAllen handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.