How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to MT move
After studying pricing from 50 Minnesota movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Minnesota to Montana?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Minnesota to Montana.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,176 – $4,177 |
$705 – $1,782 |
$531 – $980 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,291 – $5,892 |
$1,348 – $2,521 |
$596 – $1,210 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,958 – $8,245 |
$1,738 – $3,457 |
$710 – $1,367 |
*Estimated costs for a 793-mile move from MN to
MT are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to Montana
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minnesota to Montana will cost between
$1,176 and
$4,177.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MN to MT will
range from $2,291 to
$5,892, and a large move from Minnesota
to Montana will cost from $3,958
to $8,245.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to Montana
If you’re moving from Minnesota to Montana,
expect to pay between $705
and $1,782 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,348 up to
$2,521.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,738 and
$3,457. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to Montana
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$531 and
$980.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $596
and $1,210. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $710 up to
$1,367 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to MT
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Minnesota to Montana. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Minnesota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from MN to MT
A relocation from Minnesota to Montana comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Minnesota vs. Montana
Comparing expenses in Minnesota and Montana shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Minnesota |
Montana |
| Average rent |
$1,178 |
$974 |
| Average home cost |
$334,119 |
$462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$84,313 |
$66,341 |
| Cost of living index |
94 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
3.3% |
| Average sales tax |
8.03% |
0.0% |
| State income tax |
9.85% |
6.75% |
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Expect to pay around 17% less in rent in Montana than in Minnesota, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 38% higher in Montana than in Minnesota.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Montana are about 21% lower than in Minnesota.
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Moving to Montana means you’ll be paying 6% more than you did in Minnesota. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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Unemployment rates are similar in both Minnesota and Montana, so you probably won’t notice much change in job prospects or competition once you relocate.
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Montana doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on regular purchases compared to Minnesota.
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Income taxes are 31% lower in Montana than in Minnesota. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Montana vs. Minnesota
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Montana stacks up against Minnesota across important lifestyle factors:
|
Montana |
Minnesota |
| Population |
1,132,812 |
5,737,915 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 58.4-38.5 |
Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
12ºF |
2ºF |
| Annual rain |
15″ |
29″ |
| Annual snow |
49″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
23.37 |
22.47 |
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With a population about 80% smaller than Minnesota, Montana offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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In the most recent presidential election, Montana leaned Republican, while Minnesota went with Democratic.
-
In Montana, summer highs hover around 84°F, while Minnesota sits at 81°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Montana bottoms out around 12°F, compared to 2°F in Minnesota.
A move to Montana with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
You’ll enjoy about 15 inches of rain each year in Montana, compared to 29 inches in Minnesota.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
-
In Montana, you’ll get about 49 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, Minnesota averages around 47 inches annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
-
Montana and Minnesota have similar crime rates (23.37 vs. 22.47).
Even with similar state-level crime rates, the distribution of crime can vary widely, so it’s important to research at the city or neighborhood level, as well.
Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. Montana
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Montana versus Minnesota:
| Pros of living in Minnesota |
Pros of living in Montana |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Unmatched natural beauty |
| Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities |
Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
| Multitudinous lakes |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Diverse festivals |
Delicious unique cuisine |
| Friendly people |
No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota vs. Montana
Moving from Minnesota to Montana comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Minnesota |
Cons of living in Montana |
| Bland food |
Dangerous wildlife |
| Cold snowy winters |
Remote lifestyle |
| Terrible traffic |
Touristy |
| High tax burden |
Lacking in urban amenities |
| Thick accents |
Challenging weather |
Other things to consider for your Minnesota to Montana move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Montana moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Montana, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Montana without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Montana
Get ready to discover all that Montana has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Minnesota to Montana?
Do movers transport your car from Minnesota to Montana?
What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to Montana?
The main reasons people are moving from Minnesota to Montana are the amazing upsides of living in Montana, such as unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.
Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Montana?
Living in Minnesota usually costs less than in Montana.
Housing
is much more affordable in Minnesota,
with average rent about 21% less and home prices 28% lower than in Montana.
However, taxes are
lower in Montana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Minnesota residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?
You should make approximately $62,210 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Montana.
The cost of living in Montana is about $2,225 per month for an individual and $5,468 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Billings and Missoula tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Minnesota?
Some movers in Minnesota provide budget-friendly deals.
In Minnesota, 4 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Minnesota moving services
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When moving from Minnesota to Montana, expect to spend between
$2,291–$5,892 if using professional movers, about
$1,934 for a moving container, and around
$903
for a rental truck.
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