Highly rated local moving companies for Missoula to Portland moves
Organizing a move from Missoula to Portland can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating three local movers in Missoula known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Missoula to Portland.
- 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 Portland?
On average, moving companies in Montana charge about $140 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,439 – $6,652 | $1,421 – $3,269 | $1,505 – $2,776 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,455 – $9,493 | $2,354 – $4,907 | $1,614 – $3,440 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,715 – $14,424 | $3,443 – $6,547 | $2,100 – $4,220 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Portland
When planning a move to Portland from Missoula, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,439 and $6,652. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,455 and $9,493 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,715 to $14,424.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Portland
When you’re heading from Missoula to Portland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,421 and $3,269. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,354 and $4,907. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,443 to $6,547. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Montana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Portland
A moving rental truck from Missoula to Portland is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,505 to $2,776. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,614 to $3,440, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Missoula to Portland costs around $2,100 to $4,220.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Missoula to Portland
The cost of Missoula movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Missoula to Portland may only cost $3,295, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,587.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Missoula.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,505–$3,663), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Portland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Portland runs about 24% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $2,491 in Missoula versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $6,060 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $1,925 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $3,500 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $542,001 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $64,171 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $2,491 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $6,060 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 5.8% |
- Rent is about 51% more expensive in Portland than in Missoula. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Portland and Missoula, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Portland than in Missoula, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Portland, with the cost of living for a single person being 24% more than in Missoula. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Portland and Missoula remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Portland has a higher unemployment rate than Missoula by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Portland 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 14% less in Maine compared to Montana, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Missoula versus Portland:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $54.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $3.62 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $65.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Portland.
- Eggs cost more in Missoula than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Missoula than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Missoula than in Portland.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Portland
| Missoula | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 68,408 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 68 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 32.16 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 67.84 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 12% less than Missoula.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Missoula’s score of 5.
- Portland is more walkable than Missoula with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Missoula’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 68 out of 100, Portland is more bike-friendly than Missoula, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Portland and Missoula have a similar crime rate with scores of 32.16 and 33.27, respectively.
- Portland and Missoula have a similar safety level, with scores of 67.84 and 66.73.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Portland move
- HOA rules: Costs across Missoula and Portland are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maine, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maine, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maine, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Portland. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Consider cost-free Released Value Protection from movers in Maine, offering basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. If you seek full-value protection, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
With your sights set on The Forest City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East End
- West End
- West Bayside
- Parkside
- Downtown
- Oakdale
- Back Cove
- Valley Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- Deering Center
- East End
- Rosemont
- West End
- Valley Street
- North Deering
- Back Cove
- East Deering
- Oakdale
Things to do in Portland
With your move to Maine complete, you can dive right into experiencing Portland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, 5th Maine Museum, and The Wadsworth-Longfellow House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eastern Promenade Trail, Back Cove Trail, Deering Oaks Park, and Quarry Run Dog Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Maine Celtics (G League)Maine Mariners (ECHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Portland?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Missoula to Portland. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Missoula.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Portland?
Want to save on your move from Missoula to Portland? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Missoula to Portland take?
The 2,657-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Portland, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Missoula movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Portland.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Missoula?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Missoula provide piano moving services. Statewide, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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