($753+) Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Missoula, MT, runs anywhere from $800 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,860 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,181 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,385, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,860 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,337 - $4,662, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $800 - $2,210.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Missoula, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,943 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 Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis 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 $2,943 - $7,054. 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 2 to 8 days for this 1,181-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 1,181-mile route from Minneapolis to Missoula, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,385 - $5,579 | $1,337 - $2,456 | $800 - $1,509 | $1,192 - $2,275 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,943 - $7,054 | $1,623 - $3,488 | $839 - $1,813 | $1,325 - $2,603 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,977 - $8,860 | $2,264 - $4,662 | $1,098 - $2,210 | $1,739 - $3,481 |
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 Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT
Full-service movers for the 1,181-mile relocation from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $2,385 and $8,860. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $328 - $2,188, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Minneapolis typically charge a base rate around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,385 - $5,579
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,943 - $7,054
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,977 - $8,860
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 Minneapolis to Missoula.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota 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 Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis 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 | $547 - $5,470 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $219 - $1,313/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $328 - $2,626 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,094 - $3,282 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,735 - $10,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $819 - $1,557 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,094 - $2,735 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $875 - $3,829 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $328 - $1,641 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $711 - $2,188 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $328 - $16,410+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $328 - $3,829+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Missoula, Montana, cost between $1,337 and $4,662. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Minneapolis costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,337 - $2,456
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,623 - $3,488
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,264 - $4,662
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Minneapolis, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $766, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $82 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $164 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Minneapolis, MN, and Missoula, MT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,337. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,623 - $3,488, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT
A rental truck for this 1,181-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Missoula, Montana, costs between $800 and $2,210. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $411 - $470
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Missoula based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,509
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $839 - $1,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,098 - $2,210
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $800 - $2,210 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to Missoula. Fuel alone runs ($411 - $470) , and overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $82 and $383.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $164.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $411 and $470 for the 1,181-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $766 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Missoula, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 $1,325 and $2,603.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Missoula:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,192 - $2,275
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,325 - $2,603
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,739 - $3,481
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $766.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $164 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Missoula?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Missoula quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Missoula, MT
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Minneapolis and Missoula to plan around. Cost of living index: 107 vs. 113. Average rent: $1,484/mo vs. $1,322/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 71 vs. 45. Safety index: 43.94 vs. 66.73.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula, MT to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Minnesota 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. Minnesota alone has 49 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,181-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,181-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Missoula, MT, costs between $2,385 and $8,860 with full-service movers, $1,337 - $4,662 with a moving container, and $800 - $2,210 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,943 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Walmart AT&T and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Missoula, MT
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 is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN 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 $839 - $1,813. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis, MN 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 percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
