($1,180+) New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,180 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,961 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,176 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 $2,375, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,961 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,601 - $6,092, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,180 - $3,324.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,452 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 New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Missoula: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,452 - $7,165. Containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 63% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,176 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,176-mile route from New Orleans to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,375 - $5,478, container $1,601 - $3,115, rental truck $1,180 - $2,470, freight trailer $1,426 - $2,747.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,452 - $7,165, container $2,094 - $4,502, rental truck $1,291 - $2,798, freight trailer $1,641 - $3,532.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,608 - $10,961, container $2,844 - $6,092, rental truck $1,730 - $3,324, freight trailer $2,393 - $5,016.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT
Hiring full-service movers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $2,375 and $10,961. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,176-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $319 - $2,128, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between New Orleans and Missoula. For a rough baseline, movers based in New Orleans tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,375 - $5,478
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,452 - $7,165
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,608 - $10,961
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 New Orleans to Missoula.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Missoula, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $532 - $5,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $213 - $1,277/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,554 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,064 - $3,192 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,660 - $10,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $797 - $1,514 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,064 - $2,660 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $851 - $3,724 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $319 - $1,596 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $692 - $2,128 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,724+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in New Orleans, LA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,601 and $6,092. 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 New Orleans costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $3,115
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,094 - $4,502
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,844 - $6,092
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $745 in New Orleans, LA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $160 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Missoula, MT, destination before booking.
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 $1,601. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,094 - $4,502.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
- Moving Nola (5.0/5)
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT
Plan on $1,180 - $3,324 for a rental moving truck on the 2,176-mile route from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Missoula, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $737 - $842
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 New Orleans to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,180 - $2,470
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,730 - $3,324
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,180 - $3,324 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from New Orleans to Missoula. Fuel ($737 - $842), lodging at around $160/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $745.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $737 - $842 for the 2,176-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $346, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $160 per night for hotel stops on the 2,176-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $319 - $479.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Missoula, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $958 and $3,532.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,426 - $2,747
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,641 - $3,532
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,393 - $5,016
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In New Orleans, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $745.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $160 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: New Orleans, LA vs Missoula, MT
New Orleans and Missoula land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 102 in New Orleans and 113 in Missoula, and average rent is $1,755/mo vs. $1,322/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 58 vs 45 and safety scores are 32.69 vs 66.73.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Louisiana 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 73 movers in our Louisiana network to compare for this 2,176-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from New Orleans, LA, 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 $2,375 - $10,961 on the 2,176-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,601 - $6,092 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,180 - $3,324 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,452 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 New Orleans, LA, to Missoula, MT
How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to Missoula, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from New Orleans, LA 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.
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 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 58 and 66 in New Orleans. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.