($1,137+) Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Louisville, KY, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,206 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,247 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,890 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,423, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,247 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,550 - $5,937, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,206 - $3,188.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Louisville, KY, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,407 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Louisville to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,407 - $7,403 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,890 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,890-mile route from Louisville 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 $2,423 - $5,892 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,550 - $2,965), rental truck ($1,206 - $2,255), or freight trailer ($1,468 - $2,752). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,407 - $7,403 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,247.
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 Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers for the 1,890-mile relocation from Louisville, Kentucky, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $2,423 and $11,247. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $298 - $1,984, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Louisville typically charge a base rate around $209 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Louisville to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,423 - $5,892
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,407 - $7,403
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,240 - $11,247
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 Louisville to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Kentucky to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Louisville 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: Kentuckiana Moving, LLC | $198 - $1,190/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,381 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% 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 items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Margaret's Movers and Storage | $992 - $2,480 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Kentuckiana Moving, LLC | $794 - $3,472 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $298 - $1,488 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Margaret's Movers and Storage | $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 Louisville to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Louisville, KY. 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 Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Louisville, Kentucky, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,550 and $5,937. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Louisville typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Louisville to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,550 - $2,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,983 - $4,368
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,798 - $5,937
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY, 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Kentucky 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 $1,550. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,983 - $4,368, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Louisville 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 Louisville 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 Louisville:
- Kentuckiana Moving, LLC (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Pack Mule Moving LLC (5.0/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT
Truck rentals from Louisville, Kentucky, to Missoula, Montana, range from $1,206 - $3,188 for the 1,890-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $597 - $682
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Louisville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Louisville to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,206 - $2,255
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,193 - $2,604
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,188
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,206 - $3,188 when pricing out a rental truck from Louisville to Missoula. Fuel alone runs ($597 - $682) , 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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $74 and $347.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $149.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $597 and $682 for the 1,890-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $694 for 2 movers in Louisville, Kentucky, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Louisville 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 Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT
For larger DIY moves from Louisville, Kentucky, 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 $1,719 and $3,563.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Louisville to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,468 - $2,752
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,563
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,399 - $4,750
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $74 - $149 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Louisville, Kentucky, typically costs $694.
What are the best freight companies from Louisville to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Louisville, KY 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 Louisville on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Louisville, KY | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $220,456 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $64,731/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.0% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 91/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 43.32/100 | 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 Louisville, KY guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Kentucky to Montana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 27 movers based in Kentucky, handy for sizing up options on this 1,890-mile route.
Our take
The 1,890-mile move from Louisville, KY, to Missoula, MT, costs between $2,423 and $11,247 with full-service movers, $1,550 - $5,937 with a moving container, and $1,206 - $3,188 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,407 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Louisville, KY, to Missoula, MT
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($597 - $682), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $149/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Louisville, KY to Missoula, MT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
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 43.32 and 56.68 in Louisville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Louisville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Louisville handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
