($745+) Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $745 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,526 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,184 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,250, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,526 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,324 - $4,440, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $745 - $2,253.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,748 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 Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT
Moving options from Phoenix to Missoula fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,748 - $6,327 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 1,184-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,184-mile route from Phoenix to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,250 - $5,420, container $1,324 - $2,360, rental truck $745 - $1,464, freight trailer $1,204 - $2,275.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,748 - $6,327, container $1,690 - $3,521, rental truck $847 - $1,724, freight trailer $1,392 - $2,765.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,647 - $8,526, container $2,332 - $4,440, rental truck $1,119 - $2,253, freight trailer $1,883 - $3,552.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT
Hiring full-service movers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $2,250 and $8,526. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,184-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $339 - $2,260, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Phoenix and Missoula. For a rough baseline, movers based in Phoenix tend to start around $140 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,250 - $5,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,748 - $6,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,647 - $8,526
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 Phoenix to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $565 - $5,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $226 - $1,356/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $339 - $2,712 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,130 - $3,390 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,825 - $11,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $846 - $1,608 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,130 - $2,825 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $904 - $3,955 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $339 - $1,695 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $735 - $2,260 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $339 - $16,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $339 - $3,955+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Missoula?
- 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 Phoenix, AZ. 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 Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,324 and $4,440. 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 Phoenix runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,324 - $2,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,521
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,332 - $4,440
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $791 in Phoenix, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $85 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $170 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Missoula, MT, destination before booking.
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 $1,324. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,690 - $3,521, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix to Missoula?
- 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 1,184-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $745 and $2,253, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $426 - $487
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $745 - $1,464
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $847 - $1,724
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,119 - $2,253
Pro tip: The base rate of $745 - $2,253 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Phoenix to Missoula. Fuel ($426 - $487) , lodging at around $170/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $170 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 Phoenix, Arizona, usually costs about $791 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,184-mile drive falls between $426 and $487, 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 $57 and $339 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix to Missoula?
- 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 Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Phoenix, Arizona, to Missoula, Montana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,392 and $2,765.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,204 - $2,275
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,765
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,883 - $3,552
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $85 - $170 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, typically costs $791.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Missoula?
- 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.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport 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 Phoenix to Missoula, 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: Phoenix, AZ vs Missoula, MT
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Phoenix and Missoula to plan around. Cost of living index: 113 vs. 113. Average rent: $1,695/mo vs. $1,322/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 41 vs. 45. Safety index: 46.94 vs. 66.73.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Arizona to Montana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 97 movers based in Arizona, handy for sizing up options on this 1,184-mile route.
Our take
A move from Phoenix, AZ, to Missoula, MT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,250 - $8,526 on the 1,184-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,324 - $4,440, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $745 - $2,253. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,748 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Missoula, MT
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What is the best time of year to move from Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Missoula a safe place to live?
Missoula has a safety index of 66.73 out of 100 and a crime index of 33.27, compared to 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Phoenix, AZ to Missoula, MT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $847 - $1,724. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
