($1,198+) Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Lexington, KY, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,174 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,257 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,960 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 $2,686, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,257 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,632 - $6,084, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,174 - $3,233.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lexington, KY, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,512 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 Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Lexington 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 $3,512 - $7,822. 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 1,960 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 1,960-mile route from Lexington to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,686 for a studio up to $11,257 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,632 - $6,084 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,174 - $3,233, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,469 - $4,488, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,960-mile move from Lexington, Kentucky, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $2,686 - $11,257. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $299 - $1,996. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Lexington and Missoula. Local movers in Lexington typically start around $197 as a base rate plus $70/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lexington to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,686 - $5,759
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,512 - $7,822
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,086 - $11,257
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 Lexington to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Kentucky 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 Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Lexington 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 packing100% of local movers | $499 - $4,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Wildcat Moving LLC | $200 - $1,198/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $299 - $2,395 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage43% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $998 - $2,994 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,495 - $9,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $748 - $1,420 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items57% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Vincent Fister Inc. | $998 - $2,495 |
| Piano | Any piano type86% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Wildcat Moving LLC | $798 - $3,493 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $299 - $1,497 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: From Here To There, LLC | $649 - $1,996 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $299 - $14,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $299 - $3,493+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lexington to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Lexington, KY. 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 Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Lexington, Kentucky, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,632 and $6,084. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Lexington runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lexington to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,632 - $3,095
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,090 - $4,338
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,773 - $6,084
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Lexington, KY and Missoula, MT. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $699 in Lexington, KY, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $150 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,632. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,090 - $4,338, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Lexington 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 Lexington 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 Lexington:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 20 years in business
- Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.6/5), 38 years in business
- My 3 Son's Moving, 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT
Plan on $1,174 - $3,233 for a rental moving truck on the 1,960-mile route from Lexington, Kentucky, to Missoula, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $622 - $711
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Lexington 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 Lexington to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $2,264
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,336 - $2,667
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,571 - $3,233
Pro tip: A rental truck from Lexington to Missoula looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,174 - $3,233. But once you factor in fuel ($622 - $711) , overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Lexington, Kentucky, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $699.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $622 - $711 for the 1,960-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 $60 and $324, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night for hotel stops on the 1,960-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $299 - $449.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lexington 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 Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Lexington, Kentucky, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Missoula, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,671 and $3,505.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lexington to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,469 - $2,842
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,505
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,406 - $4,488
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Lexington, Kentucky, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $699.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $150 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 Lexington 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.
- Phoenix Transportation Services, LLC (4.38/5 stars): Phoenix Transportation Services, 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Lexington, KY 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 Lexington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Lexington, KY | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 113 |
| Average rent | $1,345/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $272,002 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $67,631/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.0% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 90/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 49.12/100 | 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 Lexington, KY guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Kentucky to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Kentucky alone has 27 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,960-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Lexington, KY, 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 $2,686 - $11,257 on the 1,960-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,632 - $6,084, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,174 - $3,233. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,512 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 Lexington, KY, to Missoula, MT
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($622 - $711), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,336 - $2,667. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Lexington, KY to Missoula, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $2,686 to $11,257, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,686 and $11,257, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 do local movers charge in Lexington?
Local movers based in Lexington typically start around $197 as a base rate, plus $70/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Missoula run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Lexington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 86% of movers in Lexington handle piano moves, and 57% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
