($1,150+) Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,085 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,400 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,775 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,247, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,400 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,600 - $5,576, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,085 - $3,132.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,224 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 Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Indianapolis to Missoula: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,224 - $7,068. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,775 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,775-mile route from Indianapolis to Missoula, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,247 - $5,450 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,600 - $2,846), rental truck ($1,085 - $2,003), or freight trailer ($1,370 - $2,561). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,224 - $7,068 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,400.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT
For the 1,775-mile move from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Missoula, Montana, full-service movers cost between $2,247 and $10,400. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $290 - $1,936 (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 Indianapolis generally start around $245 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Indianapolis to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,247 - $5,450
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,224 - $7,068
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,141 - $10,400
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 Indianapolis to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Indiana to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of Indianapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Missoula, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing96% of local movers | $484 - $4,840 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $194 - $1,162/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $290 - $2,323 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $968 - $2,904 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,420 - $9,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $725 - $1,377 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $968 - $2,420 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $774 - $3,388 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling19% of local movers | $290 - $1,452 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $629 - $1,936 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $290 - $14,520+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $290 - $3,388+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Indianapolis to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Indianapolis, IN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,600 and $5,576. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Indianapolis typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Indianapolis to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,600 - $2,846
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,028 - $4,274
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,771 - $5,576
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $145 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 $678 in Indianapolis, IN. 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.
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 $1,600. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,028 - $4,274, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.6/5), 14 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- Stuart’s Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 90 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT
Plan on $1,085 - $3,132 for a rental moving truck on the 1,775-mile route from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Missoula, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $547 - $625
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Indianapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Indianapolis to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,085 - $2,003
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,209 - $2,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,509 - $3,132
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,085 - $3,132 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Indianapolis to Missoula. Fuel ($547 - $625) , lodging at around $145/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $145 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Indianapolis, Indiana, usually costs about $678 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,775-mile drive falls between $547 and $625, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $290 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Missoula, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $871 and $3,419.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Indianapolis to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,370 - $2,561
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,419
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,106 - $4,549
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Indianapolis, Indiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $678.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $145 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Indianapolis to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Sysco Indianapolis, LLC (4.54/5 stars): Sysco Indianapolis, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Missoula fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Indianapolis, IN vs Missoula, MT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Missoula, side by side with Indianapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Indianapolis, IN | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,399/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $205,828 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $62,995/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.15% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 39.29/100 | 66.73/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Indianapolis, IN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from Indiana 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 58 movers in our Indiana network to compare for this 1,775-mile move.
Our take
A move from Indianapolis, IN, to Missoula, MT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,247 - $10,400 on the 1,775-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,600 - $5,576, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,085 - $3,132. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,224 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Missoula, MT
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 39.29 and 60.71 in Indianapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Indianapolis, IN to Missoula, MT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($547 - $625), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $145/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Indianapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Indianapolis handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
