($790+) Missoula, MT to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $790 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,546 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,210 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 $2,428, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,546 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,173 - $4,231, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $790 - $2,142.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,074 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 Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Missoula to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,074 - $7,719 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 46% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,210 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,210-mile route from Missoula to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,428 - $5,626, container $1,173 - $2,407, rental truck $790 - $1,420, freight trailer $1,068 - $2,167.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,074 - $7,719, container $1,656 - $3,099, rental truck $805 - $1,620, freight trailer $1,287 - $2,607.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,486 - $9,546, container $2,048 - $4,231, rental truck $981 - $2,142, freight trailer $1,639 - $3,351.
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 Los Angeles, CA
For the 1,210-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Los Angeles, California, full-service movers cost between $2,428 and $9,546. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $398 - $2,652 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Missoula generally start around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,428 - $5,626
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,074 - $7,719
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,486 - $9,546
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 Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Los Angeles, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $663 - $6,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $265 - $1,591/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $398 - $3,182 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,326 - $3,978 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,315 - $13,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $993 - $1,887 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,326 - $3,315 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,061 - $4,641 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $398 - $1,989 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $862 - $2,652 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $398 - $19,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $398 - $4,641+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Los Angeles?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Missoula, MT. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,173 and $4,231. 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 Missoula typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $2,407
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,656 - $3,099
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,048 - $4,231
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Missoula, MT and Los Angeles, CA. 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 $928 in Missoula, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $99 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $199 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 Montana to California 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 $1,173. 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 $1,656 - $3,099.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck for this 1,210-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $790 and $2,142. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $511 - $583
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $790 - $1,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $805 - $1,620
- 4+ bedrooms: $981 - $2,142
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Los Angeles looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $790 - $2,142. But once you factor in fuel ($511 - $583), overnight lodging ($199/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $199 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Missoula, Montana, usually costs about $928 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,210-mile drive falls between $511 and $583, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $66 and $398 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Los Angeles?
- 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 Los Angeles, CA
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 Los Angeles, California. 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 $1,287 and $2,607.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,068 - $2,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,607
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,639 - $3,351
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 Missoula, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $928.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $99 and $199 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Los Angeles?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Los Angeles, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Los Angeles, CA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Montana to California 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 1,210-mile move.
Our take
The 1,210-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Los Angeles, CA, costs between $2,428 and $9,546 with full-service movers, $1,173 - $4,231 with a moving container, and $790 - $2,142 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 $3,074 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 County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Los Angeles, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 45 and 60 in Missoula. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Los Angeles, CA?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Missoula, MT to Los Angeles, CA?
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 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.