($1,144+) Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Lafayette, LA, runs anywhere from $1,144 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,307 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,060 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,941, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,307 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,582 - $5,749, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,144 - $3,286.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Lafayette, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,784 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 Lafayette, LA
Moving options from Missoula to Lafayette fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,784 - $8,708 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 45% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 68% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,060 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,060-mile route from Missoula to Lafayette, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,941 - $6,001 | $1,582 - $2,884 | $1,144 - $2,366 | $1,453 - $2,843 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,784 - $8,708 | $2,087 - $4,044 | $1,201 - $2,602 | $1,686 - $3,270 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,168 - $12,307 | $2,804 - $5,749 | $1,644 - $3,286 | $2,198 - $4,369 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,060-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Lafayette, Louisiana, with prices running from $2,941 - $12,307. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $311 - $2,076 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Lafayette are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Missoula movers tend to run around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,941 - $6,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,784 - $8,708
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,168 - $12,307
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 Lafayette.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lafayette, 40% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $519 - $5,190 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $208 - $1,246/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,491 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,038 - $3,114 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,595 - $10,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $777 - $1,477 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,038 - $2,595 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $830 - $3,633 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $311 - $1,557 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $675 - $2,076 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,570+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,633+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Lafayette?
Louisiana Motor Transport Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Louisiana, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Missoula, MT, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Lafayette, Louisiana, cost between $1,582 and $5,749. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Lafayette. If you go over that window, storage in Missoula adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,582 - $2,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,087 - $4,044
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,804 - $5,749
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 $727, 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 $156 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Missoula, MT, and Lafayette, LA, 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Montana to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,582. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,087 - $4,044.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Lafayette?
- 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:
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA
A rental truck for this 2,060-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Lafayette, Louisiana, costs between $1,144 and $3,286. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $680 - $778
- 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 Lafayette based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,144 - $2,366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,201 - $2,602
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,286
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Lafayette looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,144 - $3,286. But once you factor in fuel ($680 - $778), overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $78 and $363.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $156.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $680 and $778 for the 2,060-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 $727 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 Lafayette?
- 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 Lafayette, LA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Missoula, Montana, to Lafayette, Louisiana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,686 and $3,270.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Lafayette:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,453 - $2,843
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,686 - $3,270
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,198 - $4,369
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $727.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $156 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 Lafayette?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Lafayette quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Lafayette, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lafayette, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 90 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,825/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $249,492 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $61,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 54.25/100 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Montana to Louisiana 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 25 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 2,060-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Missoula, MT, to Lafayette, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,941 for a studio to $12,307 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,060-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,582 - $5,749. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,144 - $3,286, 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 $3,784 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 LHC Group and King-Patin.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Lafayette, LA
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,144 to $12,307, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,941 and $12,307, 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 Lafayette, LA?
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 Lafayette run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Lafayette, LA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Lafayette?
For families, Youngsville, Erath, and Maurice are worth a look in Lafayette. If you're moving solo or without kids, Saint Streets, Freetown-Port Rico, and Downtown Lafayette tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.