Moving from Idaho to Montana (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 523-mile interstate move from Idaho to Montana. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 880 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Idaho to Montana?
The rates below are based on 880 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 523-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,390 - $3,860 | $700 - $1,660 | $400 - $730 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,360 - $5,830 | $1,140 - $2,440 | $460 - $940 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,160 - $9,070 | $1,630 - $3,130 | $560 - $1,100 |
Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 85% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
17% of movers in Idaho offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for an Idaho to Montana move
The ranges above cover loading, 523 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Idaho to Montana) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $540 - $1,400 |
| Packing materials only | $160 - $450 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $330 - $930 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $110 - $290 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $80 - $250 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $180 - $430 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $200 - $580 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $350 - $550 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 523-mile haul.
36% of movers in Idaho handle piano moves, 10% handle pool tables, and 23% handle safes. 9% of Idaho movers require a deposit to book, and 10% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Idaho to Montana Movers
These movers average a 93% positive review rate among Idaho movers we track.
Compare movers for your Idaho to Montana move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the Idaho long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to Montana:
1% of Idaho movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
1765 N. Yellowstone Hwy., Idaho Falls, ID 83401
3987 West Chinden Boulevard, Boise, ID 83714
5414 W Franklin Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
6491 E Seltice Way, Post Fall, ID 83854
10673 W Lake Hazel Rd, Boise, ID 83709
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Alternate Idaho to Montana moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on an Idaho to Montana move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 85% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Idaho run $59 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Montana end. 34% of movers in Idaho offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Idaho on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Montana for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $324 - $818 to rent in Idaho, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Idaho to Montana move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Montana to Idaho guide.
Idaho to Montana cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a Idaho to Montana move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | Idaho | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 100 |
| Average household income | $70,214 | $66,341 |
| Median home value | $451,520 | $462,631 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 6.75% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,061 | $974 |
| Average sales tax | 6.03% | 0.0% |
| Crime index | 11.68 | 23.37 |
| College graduation rate | 30.72% | 34.8% |
| Population | 1,964,726 | 1,132,812 |
Montana's cost of living index of 100 is lower than Idaho's 106, making affordability a common driver of this move. Lower housing costs and everyday expenses can offset the upfront cost of a long-distance move within the first 1 - 2 years.
Montana's largest industries are Real estate and rental and leasing ($7.1 billion), Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($5.4 billion), and Professional and business services ($3.9 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Idaho to Montana
How does the cost of living in Montana compare to Idaho?
Montana's cost of living index of 100 is lower than Idaho's 106 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel cheaper. Average rent runs $1,061 in Idaho versus $974 in Montana. Crime index is 11.68 in Idaho vs 23.37 in Montana. 34.8% of Montana adults hold a college degree, versus 30.72% in Idaho.
What's the cheapest way to move from Idaho to Montana?
A rental truck is cheapest: $460 - $940 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 85% less than full-service. At 523 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $188 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,140 - $2,440, about 60% less than full-service) skip the drive entirely. Use our moving cost calculator to compare all 3 for your move size.
How do I get a moving quote from Idaho to Montana?
Use our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate on this 523-mile route. Full-service runs $1,390-$5,830, or a rental truck starts at $401. Take a room-by-room inventory of your furniture and bulky items so your quote matches your final bill. Then collect a few real quotes and confirm whether each is binding or non-binding — moveBuddha has reviewed 70 movers in Idaho alone.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Idaho at Idaho's official regulatorandin Montana at Montana's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for an Idaho to Montana move?
People making this move are often chasing unmatched natural beauty in Montana.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 60% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
Popular Idaho to Montana moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Idaho to Montana corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Idaho to Montana: the bottom line
The cost to move from Idaho to Montana depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 60% - 85% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 523-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.