($668+) Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $668 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,347 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,120 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,293, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,347 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,157 - $3,850, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $668 - $2,014.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,726 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 Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Albuquerque 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 $2,726 - $6,662. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 71% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,120-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 1,120-mile route from Albuquerque to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,293 - $5,265, container $1,157 - $2,183, rental truck $668 - $1,311, freight trailer $1,095 - $1,885.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,726 - $6,662, container $1,490 - $3,224, rental truck $791 - $1,606, freight trailer $1,253 - $2,431.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,692 - $8,347, container $1,972 - $3,850, rental truck $917 - $2,014, freight trailer $1,744 - $3,146.
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 Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers for the 1,120-mile relocation from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $2,293 and $8,347. 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 $301 - $2,008, 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 Albuquerque typically charge a base rate around $185 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albuquerque to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,293 - $5,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,726 - $6,662
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,692 - $8,347
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 Albuquerque to Missoula.
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 Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Albuquerque 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 packing81% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Albuquerque NM Movers | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type24% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: EXCEPTIONAL (NM) | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Albuquerque, NM. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,157 and $3,850. 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 Albuquerque adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,157 - $2,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,490 - $3,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,972 - $3,850
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Albuquerque, NM 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 $703 in Albuquerque, NM, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 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 $1,157. 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 $1,490 - $3,224.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
- Mr. Move It All (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT
Truck rentals from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Missoula, Montana, range from $668 - $2,014 for the 1,120-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $358 - $409
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $668 - $1,311
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $791 - $1,606
- 4+ bedrooms: $917 - $2,014
Pro tip: A rental truck from Albuquerque to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $668 - $2,014. But once you factor in fuel ($358 - $409), overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $151 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 $65 and $326 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $358 - $409 in fuel for the 1,120-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $703 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT
For larger DIY moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,253 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $1,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,253 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,744 - $3,146
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $703.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $151 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 Albuquerque 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Albuquerque 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: Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Albuquerque, NM | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $265,984 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $65,604/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.9% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 28.28/100 | 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 Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from New Mexico 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. New Mexico alone has 39 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,120-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Albuquerque, NM, 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 $2,293 - $8,347 on the 1,120-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,157 - $3,850 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $668 - $2,014 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,726 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 Albuquerque, NM, to Missoula, MT
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 28.28 and 71.72 in Albuquerque. 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 43 and 61 in Albuquerque. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 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 Albuquerque?
Local movers based in Albuquerque typically start around $185 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 percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 24% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.