($1,076+) Missoula, MT to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $1,098 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,343 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,813 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 $2,764, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,343 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,628 - $5,397, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,098 - $3,138.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,015 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to Austin, TX
Moving options from Missoula to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,015 - $8,871 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,813-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,813-mile route from Missoula to Austin, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,764 for a studio up to $13,343 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,628 - $5,397 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,098 - $3,138, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,437 - $4,633, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Austin, TX
For the 1,813-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $2,764 and $13,343. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $358 - $2,388 (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 Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,764 - $6,560
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,015 - $8,871
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,373 - $13,343
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 Austin.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Austin, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $597 - $5,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $239 - $1,433/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $358 - $2,866 |
| 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 | $1,194 - $3,582 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,985 - $11,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $894 - $1,699 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,194 - $2,985 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $955 - $4,179 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $358 - $1,791 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $776 - $2,388 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $358 - $17,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $358 - $4,179+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Austin?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 Austin, TX
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,628 and $5,397. 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 Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,628 - $3,137
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,981 - $4,266
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,736 - $5,397
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $179 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 $836 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 Austin, 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 $1,628. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,981 - $4,266, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
Renting a moving truck for the 1,813-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Austin, Texas, costs between $1,098 and $3,138, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $689 - $787
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $2,198
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,139 - $2,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,573 - $3,138
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Missoula to Austin starts at $1,098 - $3,138, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($689 - $787) , overnight lodging ($179/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $689 - $787 for the 1,813-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $836.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,813-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $179 per night, adding $358 - $537 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $358.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
For larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Austin, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,601 and $3,213.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,437 - $2,743
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,601 - $3,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,190 - $4,633
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 $836.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $90 - $179 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 Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Austin, 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 Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 59.87/100 |
| 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 Austin, TX to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from Montana to Texas 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 11 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,813-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Missoula, MT, to Austin, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,764 - $13,343 on the 1,813-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,628 - $5,397 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,098 - $3,138 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,015 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Austin, TX
How walkable is Austin?
Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Austin, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $2,764 to $13,343, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,764 and $13,343, 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Austin, 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.
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 Austin run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Austin, 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 percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.
