($1,207+) Missoula, MT to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $1,184 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,077 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,904 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $3,044, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,077 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,610 - $5,579, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,184 - $3,355.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,287 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 Houston, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Houston: 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 $4,287 - $8,500. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,904 miles, expect 5 to 16 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 1,904-mile route from Missoula to Houston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $3,044 - $6,487 | $1,610 - $3,018 | $1,184 - $2,147 | $1,389 - $2,633 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,287 - $8,500 | $2,060 - $4,143 | $1,193 - $2,687 | $1,614 - $3,418 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,197 - $13,077 | $2,819 - $5,579 | $1,585 - $3,355 | $2,186 - $4,696 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,904-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas, with costs ranging from $3,044 - $13,077. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $320 - $2,132. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Missoula and Houston. Local movers in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,044 - $6,487
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,287 - $8,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,197 - $13,077
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 Houston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Houston, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Houston?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Houston, TX
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,610 and $5,579. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Missoula runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,610 - $3,018
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,060 - $4,143
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,819 - $5,579
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $80 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $160 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $746 in Missoula, MT, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Houston, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,610. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,060 - $4,143, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Houston?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- All Lanes Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX
Plan on $1,184 - $3,355 for a rental moving truck on the 1,904-mile route from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $646 - $738
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,147
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,193 - $2,687
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,585 - $3,355
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,184 - $3,355 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Missoula to Houston. Fuel ($646 - $738) , lodging at around $160/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 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 $80 and $373.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $160.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $646 and $738 for the 1,904-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 $746 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 Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $959 and $3,418.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,389 - $2,633
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,614 - $3,418
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,186 - $4,696
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $746.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $160 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 Houston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula to Houston. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Houston, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 97 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 36.5/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Houston, TX to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from Montana to Texas, 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 11 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,904-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,904-mile route from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX, run $3,044 - $13,077 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,610 - $5,579, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,184 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,287, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Missoula?
Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Houston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $3,044 to $13,077, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $3,044 and $13,077, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Houston?
Houston has a walkability score of 47 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, 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.
What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.
