($1,356+) Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $1,424 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,313 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,295 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,471, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,313 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,723 - $6,783, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,424 - $3,632.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,831 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 Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC 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 $3,831 - $7,655. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 18 days for this 2,295-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 2,295-mile route from Washington DC to Missoula, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,471 for a studio up to $12,313 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,723 - $6,783 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,424 - $3,632, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,696 - $5,321, 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 Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,295-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Missoula, Montana, with costs ranging from $2,471 - $12,313. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $407 - $2,716. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Washington DC and Missoula. Local movers in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,471 - $5,637
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,831 - $7,655
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,716 - $12,313
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 Washington DC to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC 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 | $679 - $6,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $272 - $1,630/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $407 - $3,259 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,358 - $4,074 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,395 - $13,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,017 - $1,932 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,358 - $3,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,086 - $4,753 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $407 - $2,037 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $883 - $2,716 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $407 - $20,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $407 - $4,753+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Missoula?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Washington DC, MD. 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 Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,723 and $6,783. 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 Washington DC typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,723 - $3,600
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,301 - $5,005
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,194 - $6,783
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $102 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $204 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 $951 in Washington DC, MD. 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 $1,723. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,301 - $5,005, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT
Truck rentals from Washington DC, Maryland, to Missoula, Montana, range from $1,424 - $3,632 for the 2,295-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $992 - $1,133
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,424 - $2,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,482 - $3,087
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,815 - $3,632
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Washington DC to Missoula starts at $1,424 - $3,632, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($992 - $1,133) , overnight lodging ($204/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $992 - $1,133 for the 2,295-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours typically costs around $951.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,295-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $204 per night, adding $407 - $611 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $68 and $407.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC 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 Washington DC, MD to Missoula, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, 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 $1,915 and $3,966.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,696 - $3,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,915 - $3,966
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,530 - $5,321
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $102 and $204.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly five hours typically average $951.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Washington DC to Missoula. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 113 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,322/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $426,764 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $65,329/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 6.75% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Maryland 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. Maryland alone has 52 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,295-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, 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 $2,471 - $12,313 on the 2,295-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,723 - $6,783, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,424 - $3,632. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,831 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 Washington DC, MD, to Missoula, MT
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD 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.
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 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
