($1,171+) Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,194 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,476 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,889 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 $2,448, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,476 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,550 - $6,052, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,194 - $3,156.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,585 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 Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Dayton 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 $3,585 - $7,871 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 1,889 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,889-mile route from Dayton to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,448 for a studio up to $11,476 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,550 - $6,052 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,194 - $3,156, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,512 - $4,520, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,889-mile move from Dayton, Ohio, to Missoula, Montana, with prices running from $2,448 - $11,476. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $280 - $1,864 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Dayton and Missoula are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Dayton movers tend to run around $330 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,448 - $5,552
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,585 - $7,871
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,569 - $11,476
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 Dayton to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio 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.
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Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Dayton 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 | $466 - $4,660 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $186 - $1,118/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,237 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $932 - $2,796 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,330 - $9,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $698 - $1,326 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $932 - $2,330 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $746 - $3,262 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $280 - $1,398 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $606 - $1,864 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $13,980+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,262+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dayton to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Dayton, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,550 and $6,052. 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 Dayton costs roughly $60/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,550 - $3,057
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,108 - $4,068
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,713 - $6,052
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Dayton, OH 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 $652 in Dayton, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $140 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 $1,550. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,108 - $4,068, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton:
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc (3.9/5), 110 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,889 miles from Dayton, Ohio, to Missoula, Montana, running $1,194 - $3,156. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $560 - $640
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Dayton to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,194 - $2,255
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,205 - $2,551
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,156
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Dayton to Missoula starts at $1,194 - $3,156, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($560 - $640) , overnight lodging ($140/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $70 and $326.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $140.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $560 and $640 for the 1,889-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 $652 for 2 movers in Dayton, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton 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 Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Dayton, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Missoula, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,669 and $3,460.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,512 - $2,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,669 - $3,460
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,284 - $4,520
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $652.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $140 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (4.88/5 stars): ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Missoula quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Dayton, OH 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 Dayton on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dayton, OH | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 80 | 113 |
| Average rent | $925/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $94,536 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $43,454/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 40.68/100 | 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 Dayton, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Ohio 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. Ohio alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,889-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Dayton, OH, 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 $2,448 - $11,476 on the 1,889-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,550 - $6,052 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,194 - $3,156 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,585 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 Dayton, OH, to Missoula, MT
What do local movers charge in Dayton?
Local movers based in Dayton typically start around $330 as a base rate, plus $140/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Dayton, OH 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.
How much does it cost to move from Dayton, OH to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $2,448 to $11,476, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,448 and $11,476, 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.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 45 and 47 in Dayton. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($560 - $640), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
