($398+) Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $398 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,567 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 489 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,408, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,567 or more.
- Moving containers run $908 - $2,967, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $398 - $997.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,365 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 Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Tacoma: 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 $2,365 - $5,799. Moving containers run about 47% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 83% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 489-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 489-mile route from Missoula to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,408 - $4,401 | $908 - $1,725 | $398 - $742 | $833 - $1,537 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,365 - $5,799 | $1,245 - $2,357 | $411 - $915 | $902 - $1,757 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,259 - $8,567 | $1,641 - $2,967 | $554 - $997 | $1,237 - $2,397 |
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 Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 489-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $1,408 - $8,567. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $351 - $2,340 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Tacoma are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Missoula movers tend to run around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,408 - $4,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,365 - $5,799
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,259 - $8,567
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 Missoula to Tacoma.
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 Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tacoma, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Tacoma?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Washington Movers Conference is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in Missoula, MT?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Missoula to Tacoma with a local mover averages $2,388 - $5,856. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Missoula, MT often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Missoula, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,751 customers, 96.7% of which is positive.
Address: 3014 N Flora Rd Bldg 2, Spokane Valley, WA, 99216 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $908 and $2,967. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Missoula typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $908 - $1,725
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,245 - $2,357
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,641 - $2,967
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $88 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $176 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tacoma, WA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $819 in Missoula, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $908. 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 $1,245 - $2,357.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Tacoma?
- 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 Missoula 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 Missoula:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 489 miles from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington, running $398 - $997. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $182 - $208
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
| 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 Missoula to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $398 - $742
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $411 - $915
- 4+ bedrooms: $554 - $997
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $398 - $997 when pricing out a rental truck from Missoula to Tacoma. Fuel alone runs $182 - $208, and overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $176 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 $76 and $380 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $182 - $208 in fuel for the 489-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $819 in Missoula, Montana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Tacoma?
- 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 Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $902 and $1,757.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $833 - $1,537
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $902 - $1,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,397
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 Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $819.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $88 - $176 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 Missoula to Tacoma?
- 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in Tacoma 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: Missoula, MT vs Tacoma, WA
Day-to-day costs in Tacoma are close to what you're used to in Missoula: cost of living index of 123 versus 113, with average rent of $1,650/mo compared to $1,322/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 66.73/100 in Missoula versus 54/100 and 44.45/100 in Tacoma.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Montana to Washington 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 25 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 489-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,408 for a studio to $8,567 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 489-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $908 - $2,967. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $398 - $997, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,365 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 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 are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?
For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA?
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 $411 - $915. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Tacoma a safe place to live?
Tacoma has a safety index of 44.45 out of 100 and a crime index of 55.55, compared to 66.73 and 33.27 in Missoula. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.