Top-rated local movers that handle Missoula to Lancaster moves
When planning a move from Missoula to Lancaster, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing three local movers in Missoula who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Missoula to Lancaster.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Missoula to Lancaster?
Movers in Montana charge $140 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,401 – $5,929 | $917 – $2,112 | $710 – $1,381 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,267 – $7,240 | $1,499 – $3,037 | $791 – $1,760 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,157 – $10,347 | $2,072 – $4,397 | $1,005 – $1,962 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Lancaster
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Missoula to Lancaster, you can expect to spend between $1,401 and $5,929. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,267 to $7,240 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Missoula to Lancaster typically runs between $5,157 and $10,347.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Lancaster
When moving from Missoula to Lancaster, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $917 and $2,112. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,499 to $3,037. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,072 up to $4,397. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Lancaster
Renting a moving truck in Missoula is usually your cheapest option to get to Lancaster. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $710 and $1,381. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $791 and $1,760. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,005 and $1,962.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Missoula to Lancaster
The cost of Missoula movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,661, but larger homes can run up to $8,786.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Missoula.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($710–$1,814) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Lancaster
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Lancaster runs about 26% higher for singles and -5% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $2,540 in Missoula versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $5,562 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $2,305 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $473,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $74,723 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $2,540 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $5,562 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 15.6% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Lancaster, note that rent can be roughly 97% more expensive than it is in Missoula; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 13% lower in Lancaster than in Missoula.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 26% higher in Lancaster compared to Missoula, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person is 26% more than in Missoula. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Lancaster and Missoula, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 255% higher compared to Missoula, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Lancaster has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 97% higher in California compared to Montana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Missoula with Lancaster:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $225.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $43.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $2.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $5.51 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Lancaster, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Lancaster.
- Eggs cost more in Missoula than in Lancaster.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Lancaster.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Missoula than in Lancaster.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Lancaster.
- Gym memberships cost more in Missoula than in Lancaster.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Lancaster
| Missoula | Lancaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 173,516 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 40 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 45.5 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 54.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lancaster’s population is about 123% greater than Missoula.
- Lancaster has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Missoula scores 5 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Missoula.
- Lancaster is less walkable than Missoula with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Missoula’s 45 out of 100.
- Lancaster has a bike-friendliness score of 40 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Missoula, which has a score of 60.
- Lancaster’s crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 45.5 compared to Missoula’s 33.27. This means that Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Lancaster is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 54.5 vs Missoula’s 66.73.
- Air quality in Lancaster is Good, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Lancaster move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lancaster smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lancaster
Now that you’ve chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lancaster to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Lancaster
- Central Lancaster
- East Lancaster
- College Terrace
- Skytower Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Quartz Hill
- West Lancaster
- Rancho Vista
- Brentwood
- El Dorado
Things to do in Lancaster
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Lancaster is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lancaster offers cultural landmarks like the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Lancaster?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Missoula to Lancaster are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Missoula are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Lancaster?
Because spring and fall moves from Missoula to Lancaster are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Missoula to Lancaster take?
A move of 1,192 miles from Missoula, MT to Lancaster, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Missoula sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lancaster is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Missoula offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Missoula have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across MT, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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