Moving from Billings to Missoula, MT
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Quick answer: Moving from Billings to Missoula costs between $398 to $9,393 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 344-mile route within Montana take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Billings to Missoula
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Billings to Missoula are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Billings to driving and unloading in Missoula, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 344 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,359 - $6,626 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,369 - $2,428 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $415 - $825 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Aaron's Back Company | $105/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Billings to Missoula?
It costs between $398 to $9,393 to move from Billings to Missoula. The prices below break down your 344-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,447 - $9,393
- Moving containers: $1,049 - $3,152
- Rental trucks: $398 - $1,049
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,447 - $4,985 | $1,049 - $1,821 | $398 - $682 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,359 - $6,626 | $1,369 - $2,428 | $415 - $825 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,623 - $9,393 | $1,810 - $3,152 | $541 - $1,049 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $285 - $2,375+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $105/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $55/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $190 - $760 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $48 - $190 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Billings to Missoula
At 344 miles, your Billings to Missoula move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Billings to Missoula. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Montana, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 344 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Aaron's Back Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Billings to Missoula. They've been in business since 2008 (18 years of experience) and 97.0% of their 166 verified reviews are positive.
More Montana moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Missoula to Billings guide.
Considerations when moving from Billings to Missoula
Cost of living: Billings vs. Missoula
The cost of living in Billings vs. Missoula isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Missoula compares to what you’re used to in 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% |
- Rent prices in Missoula are similar to those in Billings, so you shouldn't see much change in your budget.
- Home prices in Missoula are 37% higher than in Billings, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Missoula is 9% lower than in Billings, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- Living costs for one person are 13% higher in Missoula compared to Billings. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Missoula, plan for living expenses to be about 29% higher than in Billings. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Missoula is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Missoula is 7% higher than in Billings. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- 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
Before you move, check out how life in Missoula measures up to Billings. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison 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 sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Missoula has roughly 58% fewer people than Billings. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Missoula voted Democratic, while Billings leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both Missoula and Billings have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Billings and Missoula—with winter lows around 16°F and 16°F.
- Both Billings and Missoula see similar yearly rainfall—Billings averages 14 inches, while Missoula gets 15 inches.
- Billings usually gets more snow each year than Missoula, with 46 annually compared to Missoula’s 40.
- Missoula posts a lower crime rate than Billings, with a crime index of 33.27 compared to Billings’s 48.63.
Things to do in Missoula
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Missoula has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Billings to Missoula?
Shipping furniture from Billings to Missoula with a moving company typically costs between $1,303 and $4,231. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,359 to $6,626. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $3,623 and $9,393 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Billings to Missoula?
If you’re planning a move from Billings to Missoula and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $770 and $1,771. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,369 to $2,428. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,810 to $3,152.
How much is a moving truck from Billings to Missoula?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $382 and $682. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $415 and $825. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Billings to Missoula, truck rentals usually range from $541 up to $1,049.
How far in advance should I book Billings-to-Missoula movers?
To make your move from Billings to Missoula as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since 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 is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
