($966+) Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $966 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,959 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,588 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,181, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,959 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,370 - $5,208, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $966 - $2,669.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,908 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Missoula: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,908 - $6,295. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 66% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,588-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,588-mile route from Chicago to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,181 - $5,011 | $1,370 - $2,785 | $966 - $1,909 | $1,283 - $2,507 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,908 - $6,295 | $1,732 - $3,559 | $994 - $2,162 | $1,400 - $2,907 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,208 - $8,959 | $2,484 - $5,208 | $1,239 - $2,669 | $1,967 - $3,928 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT
For the 1,588-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Missoula, Montana, full-service movers cost between $2,181 and $8,959. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $326 - $2,176 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,181 - $5,011
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,908 - $6,295
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,208 - $8,959
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 Chicago to Missoula.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Missoula, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $544 - $5,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $218 - $1,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,611 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,088 - $3,264 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,720 - $10,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $815 - $1,548 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,088 - $2,720 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $870 - $3,808 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $326 - $1,632 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $707 - $2,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,808+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,370 and $5,208. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,370 - $2,785
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,732 - $3,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,484 - $5,208
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $82 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $163 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Missoula, MT, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $762 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Montana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,370. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,732 - $3,559.
What are the best moving containers Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,588 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Missoula, Montana, running $966 - $2,669. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $550 - $628
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $966 - $1,909
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $994 - $2,162
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,669
Pro tip: The base rate of $966 - $2,669 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Missoula. Fuel ($550 - $628), lodging at around $163/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $762.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $550 - $628 for the 1,588-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $65 and $354, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $163 per night for hotel stops on the 1,588-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $326 - $490.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago 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 Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, Illinois, 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,400 and $2,907.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,283 - $2,507
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,400 - $2,907
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,967 - $3,928
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $762.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $163 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Missoula quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Missoula, MT
Chicago and Missoula land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Chicago and 113 in Missoula, and average rent is $2,045/mo vs. $1,322/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 77 vs 45 and safety scores are 33.87 vs 66.73.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Illinois to Montana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 295 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 1,588-mile move.
Our take
The 1,588-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Missoula, MT, costs between $2,181 and $8,959 with full-service movers, $1,370 - $5,208 with a moving container, and $966 - $2,669 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,908 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Missoula?
For families, Lewis And Clark, Rose Park, and Miller Creek are worth a look in Missoula. If you're moving solo or without kids, Heart Of Missoula, Lewis And Clark, and Farviews And Pattee tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Missoula?
Missoula has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 60, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.