Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Missoula typically costs $3,500–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,588 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Missoula
Moving from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT typically costs $3,500–$7,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,588-mile move from Chicago to Missoula, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,792 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,300, but larger homes can run up to $11,100.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,100–$2,800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Missoula
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Missoula, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→MT movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Missoula
Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 45% less for singles and 37% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,832 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 6.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 35% lower in Missoula than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 84% higher in Missoula than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 17% less in Missoula than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Missoula, where the cost of living for a single person is 45% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Missoula could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 37% less than in Chicago.
- Missoula experiences an unemployment rate that is about 51% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Missoula has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Chicago. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 36% higher in Montana compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Missoula:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Missoula.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Missoula.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Missoula.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Missoula.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Missoula
| Chicago | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 60 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 97% less than Chicago.
- Missoula's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Missoula is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Missoula has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Missoula and Chicago have a similar crime rate with scores of 33.27 and 35.19, respectively.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 66.73 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Missoula move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Montana doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Missoula smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Missoula
Now that you've chosen The Garden City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Missoula to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Montana home, it's time to see what Missoula is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Missoula offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Missoula?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Missoula are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Missoula?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Missoula are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Missoula take?
A move of 1,588 miles from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Missoula is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
