Key factors that impact the cost of your Missoula to Ontario move
What to know before moving from Missoula to Ontario
Moving from Missoula to Ontario comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Ontario is generally more expensive than Missoula, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Missoula | Ontario | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,322 | $2,619 |
Average home value | $544,475 | $668,089 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $71,908 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,011 | $2,473 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,832 | $5,793 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 6.9% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.75% |
State income tax | 6.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Ontario are 98% higher than in Missoula, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Missoula.
Home prices in Ontario are 22.7% higher than in Missoula. - Income in Ontario is 21.5% higher than in Missoula, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Ontario, since the cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 23.0% higher than in Missoula. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Ontario and Missoula.
- The unemployment rate in Ontario is 56.82% higher than in Missoula.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Ontario, since the cityโs sales taxes in Ontario are 8.75% higher than in Missoula.
- State income taxes in Ontario are 97.04% higher than in Missoula.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,689.21 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Missoula.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Ontario
Ontario | Missoula | |
---|---|---|
Population | 175,265 | 77,757 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 48 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 46 | 60 |
Crime Index | 50.25 | 33.27 |
Safety Index | 49.75 | 66.73 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Ontario is about 125% greater than Missoula, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Ontario will be about the same as it currently is in Missoula. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Youโll find Ontario to be about as walkable as Missoula. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 48 and 45 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Ontario, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Missoula. While Missoula has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, Ontario earned a 46. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Ontario is higher than in Missoula, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.25 in Ontario, it is 33.27 in Missoula. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Ontario. With a crime index of 49.75, Ontario ranks lower in overall safety than Missoula, whose index is Missoula's 66.73. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Ontario and Missoula is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Missoula vs. Ontario move
- Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Ontario. 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 โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Ontario
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Ontario.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Ontario
- Piemonte
- Ontario Ranch
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Upland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Creekside
- Parkview
- Ontario Ranch
- College Park
- Downtown Ontario
Things to do in Ontario
Once youโre settled into your new home in California, itโs time to get out and discover what Ontario has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Ontario features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of History and Art, Ontario.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Ontario?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Missoula to Ontario are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Missoula are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Ontario?
With many people choosing to move from Missoula to Ontario in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Missoula to Ontario take?
Moving from Missoula, MT to Ontario, CA covers 1,175 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Missoula movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Ontario.