Billings to Missoula Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Billings to Missoula, MT (~344 miles) typically ranges from $350 to $8,184.
Local movers such as Aaron's Back Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.3 out of 5 stars across 166 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $105/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Billings
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Billings to Missoula?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Billings to Missoula are regulated by Montana law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Montana intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Montana companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Aaron's Back Company (4.3/5) as the top local pick, followed by Baker Transfer & Storage (4.22/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Billings to Missoula moves complete in 1 - 4 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 11+ Montana movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Billings to Missoula?
The cost to move from Billings to Missoula ranges from $350 to $8,184*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,223 - $8,184
- Moving containers: $933 - $2,831
- Rental trucks: $350 - $896
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,223 - $4,433 | $933 - $1,635 | $350 - $613 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,138 - $5,715 | $1,158 - $2,205 | $354 - $748 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,030 - $8,184 | $1,531 - $2,831 | $453 - $896 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 11+ Montana moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Billings, MT movers.
How Billings to Missoula moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $105 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,260.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. | Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 20% of Billings movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Aaron's Back Company |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Billings to Missoula
Moving from Billings to Missoula is a job for local and regional Montana movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Aaron's Back Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.3 out of 5 stars across 166 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Billings to Missoula
Local movers operating within Montana know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Aaron's Back Company (4.3/5 stars): 97.0% positive customer ratings.
- Baker Transfer & Storage (4.22/5 stars): 77.8% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.0/5 stars): 60.9% positive customer ratings.
- McKell Brothers Hauling Inc. (3.84/5 stars): 98.9% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 5 movers in Billings, drawing on 426 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Billings to Missoula
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Billings, MT
Billings residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Montana moving resources
How does Missoula compare to Billings?
Cost of living: Billings vs. Missoula
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Billings | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,322 |
| Average home cost | $310,937 | $426,764 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,855 | $65,329 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,773 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,536 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.4% |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Billings and Missoula comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 11+ Montana moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Missoula match Billings. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in Missoula are 37% higher than Billings. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Missoula is 9% lower than Billings. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Missoula is 13% higher than Billings. Plan to add roughly 13% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Missoula is 29% higher than Billings. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Missoula runs 7% higher than Billings. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Neither Billings nor Missoula has a sales tax, so everyday purchases like clothing, dining, and electronics won't cost extra at checkout in either location.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,390 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Billings.
How life is different in Billings vs. Missoula
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Missoula might look different from Billings in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Billings | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,167 | 77,757 |
| Political leaning | Republican 61-37 | Democratic 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 14" | 15" |
| Annual snow | 46" | 40" |
| Crime index | 48.63 | 33.27 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Montana can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 27% of movers in Montana, vs 33% nationally).
- Missoula is 58% smaller in size than Billings. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Missoula voted Democratic and Billings voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Missoula (85°F) match Billings (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Billings (16°F) and Missoula (16°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Billings (14 inches) and Missoula (15 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Billings is 46 inches, vs. 40 inches in Missoula. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
- Crime index in Missoula (33.27) is lower than Billings (48.63). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Missoula
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Missoula's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Missoula
- Fort Missoula Museum
- Missoula Art Museum
- Montana Natural History Center
- Museum of Mountain Flying
Parks in Missoula
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
- Caras Park
- Blue Mountain Recreational Area
- McCormick Park
Sports teams in Missoula
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
Universities in Missoula
- The University of Montana
- University Of Montana School Of Forestry
- University of Montana
- University of Montana School of Music
Final verdict: Billings to Missoula movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Montana service. For smaller moves, Aaron's Back Company (4.3/5) is the top local choice, with 97.0% positive reviews across 166 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $350 - $8,184, based on our analysis of 11+ Montana movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Billings to Missoula
How long does a move from Billings to Missoula take?
Most moves from Billings to Missoula take 1 - 4 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
What percentage of Billings movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 60% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How many movers in Billings offer labor-only help?
80% of movers in Billings offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Do movers in Montana offer storage?
82% of movers in Montana offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Billings to Missoula?
A full-service move from Billings to Missoula costs $1,135 - $3,649 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $2,138 - $5,715, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $3,030 - $8,184.
