Des Moines, IA to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IA→MT movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Missoula

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Missoula runs about 6% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Des Moines.

Singles spend around $2,011 in Missoula versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,832 compared with $4,380.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Des Moines	Missoula
Average 1 BR rent	$1,229	$1,542
Average 3 BR rent	$1,763	$2,983
Average home value	$192,347	$544,475
Average income (per capita)	$58,492	$59,180
Cost of living (single)	$1,891	$2,011
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,380	$5,832
Unemployment rate	5.9%	4.4%
Sales tax	7.0%	0.0%
State income tax	4.4%	6.75%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 15% more expensive in Missoula than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 183% steeper in Missoula compared to Des Moines.
There's good news: the average income differences between Missoula and Des Moines are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
Prepare for elevated costs in Missoula, with the cost of living for a single person being 6% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
When considering a family move to Missoula, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 33% higher than in Des Moines.
Missoula has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 25%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Des Moines. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
Income taxes are 53% more in Montana than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Missoula:

Living Expense	Des Moines	Missoula
Basic utilities	$144.82	$132.00
Cell phone plan	$51.25	$59.67
Dozen eggs	$3.61	$4.50
Loaf of bread	$2.50	$2.91
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$16.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$77.50	$75.00
Gym membership	$66.67	$63.33

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Des Moines than in Missoula.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Missoula.
Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Missoula.
Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Missoula.
A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Missoula.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Missoula.
Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Missoula.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Missoula

	Des Moines	Missoula
Population	699,292	77,757
Transportation score	5	5
Walkability score	45	45
Bike friendliness score	39	60
Crime index	5.0	33.27
Safety index	57.8	66.73
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Missoula's population is about 89% less than Des Moines.
Missoula's public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
Missoula and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Missoula's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 33.27 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
Missoula is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 66.73 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Missoula move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Missoula

With your sights set on The Garden City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Heart Of Missoula
Lewis And Clark
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

With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Missoula. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

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 city's Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Missoula?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Missoula. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Missoula?

Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Missoula? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Missoula take?

The 1,281-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Missoula, MT, takes three to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.