($1,168+) Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI, runs anywhere from $1,191 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,670 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,857 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 $2,846, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,670 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,619 - $5,488, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,191 - $3,214.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,190 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 Detroit, MI
Moving options from Missoula to Detroit fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,190 - $8,688 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 1,857-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 1,857-mile route from Missoula to Detroit, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,846 - $6,266 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,619 - $2,883), rental truck ($1,191 - $2,251), or freight trailer ($1,400 - $2,621). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,190 - $8,688 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $13,670.
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 Detroit, MI
Full-service movers for the 1,857-mile relocation from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $2,846 and $13,670. 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 $314 - $2,092, 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 Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,846 - $6,266
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,190 - $8,688
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,437 - $13,670
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 Detroit.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Michigan. 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 Detroit, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Detroit, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| 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 | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Detroit?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Michigan 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Missoula, MT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $1,619 and $5,488. 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 Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,619 - $2,883
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,177 - $4,121
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,834 - $5,488
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Missoula, MT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $732, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Missoula, MT, and Detroit, MI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,619. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,177 - $4,121, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Detroit?
- 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 Detroit, MI
A rental truck for this 1,857-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan, costs between $1,191 and $3,214. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $618 - $706
- Daily insurance: $31/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 Detroit based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $2,251
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,215 - $2,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,549 - $3,214
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,191 - $3,214 does not include fuel ($618 - $706) , lodging ($157/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Missoula to Detroit typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Missoula, Montana, usually costs about $732 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,857-mile drive falls between $618 and $706, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $314 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Detroit?
- 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 Detroit, MI
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 Detroit, Michigan.
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 $1,626 and $3,467.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Detroit:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,400 - $2,621
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,626 - $3,467
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,313 - $4,390
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $78 and $157.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for roughly five hours typically average $732.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Detroit?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Detroit, 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 Detroit, MI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Detroit, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 92 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $79,675 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $39,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 9.06% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 27.08/100 |
| 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 Detroit, MI to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from Montana to Michigan 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 1,857-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,846 for a studio to $13,670 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,857-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,619 - $5,488. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,191 - $3,214, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,190 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Motors and Henry Ford Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $2,846 to $13,670, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,846 and $13,670, 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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 Detroit run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
What are the best neighborhoods in Detroit?
For families, Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods, and University District are worth a look in Detroit. If you're moving solo or without kids, Corktown, Brush Park, and Woodbridge tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
