Factors that influence moving costs from Minneapolis to Missoulatoggle

The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Minneapolis to Missoula might cost as little as $1,552, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,166.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Minneapolis, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $855 to $2,252. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Missoula

Moving from Minneapolis to Missoula means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Minneapolis than in Missoula, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Minneapolis compares to Missoula so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Minneapolis Missoula
Average rent cost $1,484 $1,322
Average home value $312,602 $544,475
Average income (per capita) $70,099 $59,180
Cost of living (single person) $3,900 $2,011
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,710 $5,832
Unemployment rate 4.5% 4.4%
Sales tax 9.03% 0.0%
State income tax 9.85% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Missoula are 11% lower than in Minneapolis, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Minneapolis.
    Home prices in Missoula are 74.2% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • Income in Missoula is 15.6% lower than in Minneapolis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Missoula include Walmart AT&T, Target, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 48.4% lower than in Minneapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Missoula, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 23.8% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Missoula is 2.22% lower than in Minneapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Missoula, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Minneapolis.
  • One perk of moving to Missoula is paying less in state income taxes, which are 31.47% lower than in Minneapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,546.92 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Minneapolis.

How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Missoula

Missoula Minneapolis
Population 77,757 425,115
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 45 71
Bike friendliness score 60 83
Crime Index 33.27 56.06
Safety Index 66.73 43.94
Air Quality Good Good
  • Missoula's population is about 82% less than Minneapolis.
  • Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Minneapolis's higher score of 8.
  • Missoula is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Minneapolis's 71 out of 100.
  • Missoula has a bike-friendliness score 60 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Minneapolis, which has a score of 83 out of 100.
  • Missoula's crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 33.27 compared to Minneapolis's 56.06. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
  • Missoula is considered to be safer than Minneapolis with a safety index of 66.73 vs Minneapolis's 43.94.
  • Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Minneapolis it's good.

Other things to consider for your Minneapolis vs. Missoula move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Montana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Montana doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Missoula. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Missoula

Ready to relocate to "Garden City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Heart Of Missoula
  • Lewis And Clark
  • Farviews And Pattee
  • Canyon River
  • Front Lower

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Lewis And Clark
  • Rose Park
  • Miller Creek
  • Riverfront Lower
  • Rattlesnake

Things to do in Missoula

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Montana, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Missoula has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Missoula features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Missoula?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Minneapolis to Missoula. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Minneapolis.

When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Missoula?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Minneapolis to Missoula, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Minneapolis to Missoula take?

The 1,181-mile journey from Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Minneapolis offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Missoula.

Helpful moving resources