Moving from Billings to Missoula, MT
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Quick answer: Moving from Billings to Missoula costs $390–$9,209, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 344-mile route within Montana take 1–4 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 11+ Montana moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Billings to Missoula?
Moving from Billings to Missoula doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 344-mile move:
Moving from Billings to Missoula costs between $390 and $9,209, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 344-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $2,479–$7,026 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,328–$2,659 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $444–$876 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $105/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
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 $390 to $9,209, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 344-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,550–$9,209
- Moving containers: $1,070–$3,183
- Rental trucks: $390–$977
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 the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 344 miles and provide all the 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 | $1,550–$5,401 | $1,070–$1,877 | $390–$696 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,479–$7,026 | $1,328–$2,659 | $444–$876 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,622–$9,209 | $1,792–$3,183 | $504–$977 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 11+ Montana moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Billings to Missoula move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Billings to Missoula move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $105/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Billings to Missoula, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 344 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Billings to Missoula. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Montana, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 344 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Montana moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Billings guide.
How does Missoula compare to Billings?
Cost of living: Billings vs. Missoula
The cost of living in Billings vs. Missoula is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Missoula measures up against Billings.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 11+ Montana cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Missoula are similar to Billings. Budget for a like-for-like apartment without adjustment.
- Home prices in Missoula are 37% higher than Billings. Existing equity from a Billings sale may not stretch as far in the Missoula market.
- Average income in Missoula is 9% lower than Billings. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- Cost of living for one person is 13% higher in Missoula than Billings. Budget the gap into your monthly plan rather than absorbing it through reduced savings.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 moving to Missoula runs 29% higher than Billings. Confirm school, childcare, and healthcare costs in the destination ZIP code before locking the move.
- 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.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Billings, you'll need about $3,390 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Missoula.
How life is different in Billings vs. Missoula
A look at how life in Missoula measures up to Billings covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| 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 |
- Missoula is roughly 58% smaller in size than Billings. The smaller scale typically translates to lower density, lower cost, and a tighter local job market.
- In the last presidential election, Missoula voted Democratic, while Billings leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Missoula (85°F) match Billings (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Billings (16°F) and Missoula (16°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Billings (14 inches) and Missoula (15 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Billings runs 46 inches, higher than Missoula's 40 inches. Less snow translates to lower winter maintenance and shorter cold-weather seasons.
- Crime index in Missoula (33.27) runs lower than Billings (48.63). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
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: best movers from Billings to Missoula
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Billings to Missoula, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Montana service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $390–$9,209 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 11+ Montana movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Billings to Missoula
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Billings to Missoula?
A full-service move from Billings to Missoula typically costs $1,316–$4,143 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $2,479–$7,026. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $3,622 and $9,209 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Billings to Missoula?
Moving containers from Billings to Missoula have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $718 and $1,824. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,328–$2,659. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,792 to $3,183.
How much is a moving truck from Billings to Missoula?
A rental moving truck from Billings to Missoula costs $402–$747 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $444–$876. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $504–$977.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Billings-to-Missoula movers?
Lock in your movers for a Billings to Missoula move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Missoula?
The cheapest time of year to move to Missoula is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
