($1,228+) Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD

Moving from Missoula, MT, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $1,228 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,229 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,271 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,912, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $13,229 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,649 - $6,044, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,228 - $3,534.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,149 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD

There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Washington DC: 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 $4,149 - $8,907. Containers cost roughly 50% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,271 miles, expect 7 to 18 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 2,271-mile route from Missoula to Washington DC, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,912 - $6,232 $1,649 - $3,276 $1,228 - $2,568 $1,484 - $2,978
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,149 - $8,907 $2,092 - $4,418 $1,330 - $2,912 $1,778 - $3,426
4+ bedrooms $8,023 - $13,229 $3,053 - $6,044 $1,801 - $3,534 $2,298 - $5,031

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD

Full-service movers for the 2,271-mile relocation from Missoula, Montana, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $2,912 and $13,229. 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 $385 - $2,564, 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 Missoula typically charge a base rate around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,912 - $6,232
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,149 - $8,907
  • 4+ bedrooms: $8,023 - $13,229

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 Washington DC.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD

Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing75% of local movers$641 - $6,410
Storage in transitNew place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$256 - $1,538/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$385 - $3,077
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,282 - $3,846
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,205 - $12,820
Car shippingSecond vehicle$960 - $1,824
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$1,282 - $3,205
PianoAny piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$1,026 - $4,487
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers$385 - $1,923
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$833 - $2,564
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$385 - $19,230+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$385 - $4,487+

What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Washington DC?

Maryland Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maryland, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Missoula, MT. 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 Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD

Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,649 and $6,044. 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 Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,649 - $3,276
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,092 - $4,418
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,053 - $6,044

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $96 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $192 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Washington DC, MD, 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 $897 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 $1,649. 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 $2,092 - $4,418.

What are the best moving containers Missoula to Washington DC?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC, MD

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,271 miles from Missoula, Montana, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $1,228 - $3,534. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $926 - $1,059
  • Daily insurance: $38/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
  • Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Missoula to Washington DC based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,228 - $2,568
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,330 - $2,912
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,801 - $3,534

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,228 - $3,534 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Missoula to Washington DC. Fuel ($926 - $1,059), lodging at around $192/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?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $96 and $449.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $192.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $926 and $1,059 for the 2,271-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 $897 for 2 movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Washington DC?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC, MD

If you're moving a larger household from Missoula, Montana, 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 Washington DC, Maryland.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,778 and $3,426.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Washington DC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,484 - $2,978
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,778 - $3,426
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,298 - $5,031

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $96 - $192 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Missoula, Montana, typically costs $897.

What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Washington DC?

  1. 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.
  2. 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 Washington DC, 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 Washington DC, MD

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Missoula, MT Washington DC, MD
Cost of living index113151
Average rent$1,322/mo$2,400/mo
Median home value$426,764$594,337
Average income$65,329/yr$101,027/yr
Unemployment rate4.4%7.0%
State income taxUp to 6.75%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score45/10077/100
Safety index66.73/10039.63/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Montana to Maryland, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 25 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 2,271-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Missoula, MT, to Washington DC, MD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,912 - $13,229 on the 2,271-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,649 - $6,044, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,228 - $3,534. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,149 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.

FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Washington DC, MD

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.

Is Washington DC a safe place to live?

Washington DC has a safety index of 39.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.37, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD?

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 $1,330 - $2,912. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Washington DC?

For families, AU-Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Cleveland Park are worth a look in Washington DC. If you're moving solo or without kids, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, and Cleveland Park tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Washington DC, MD take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 18 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 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.