Factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Missoula
What to know before moving from Columbus to Missoula
Moving from Columbus to Missoula means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbus than in Missoula, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Columbus compares to Missoula so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Columbus | Missoula | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,100 | $1,322 |
Average home value | $157,861 | $544,475 |
Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $59,180 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,041 | $2,011 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,834 | $5,832 |
Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.4% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 0.0% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 6.75% |
- Rent prices in Missoula are 20% higher than in Columbus, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Missoula are 244.9% higher than in Columbus. - Income in Missoula is 17.1% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Missoula include Walmart AT&T, Target, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
- The cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 1.5% lower than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Missoula, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 52.1% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Missoula is 16.98% lower than in Columbus.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Missoula, since the cityโs sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Columbus.
- State income taxes in Missoula are 22.95% higher than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,955.90 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Missoula
Missoula | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 77,757 | 206,922 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 2 |
Walkability score | 45 | 25 |
Bike friendliness score | 60 | 31 |
Crime Index | 33.27 | 72.18 |
Safety Index | 66.73 | 27.82 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 62% less than Columbus.
- Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 2.
- Missoula is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Missoula's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 33.27 compared to Columbus's 72.18. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 66.73 vs Columbus's 27.82.
- Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Columbus it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Missoula move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Missoula. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Missoula
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Garden City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Missoula.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heart Of Missoula
- Farviews And Pattee
- Canyon River
- Front Lower
- Rattlesnake
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lewis And Clark
- Rose Park
- Miller Creek
- Riverfront Lower
- Rattlesnake
Things to do in Missoula
After settling into your new Montana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Missoula has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Missoula is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Missoula?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to Missoula. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Missoula?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Missoula, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Missoula take?
The 2,264-mile journey from Columbus, GA to Missoula, MT typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Columbus offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Missoula.