Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Missoula to Riverside typically costs $3,400–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,176 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Missoula to Riverside
Moving from Missoula, MT to Riverside, CA typically costs $3,400–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,176-mile move from Missoula to Riverside, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,533 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Missoula to Riverside
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Missoula to Riverside may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Missoula.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($900–$2,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Riverside, CA to Missoula, MT guide.
Best Missoula to Riverside movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Missoula to Riverside
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Missoula to Riverside. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MT→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 12 Montana moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Riverside
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Riverside runs about 28% higher for singles and -4% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $2,573 in Riverside versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $5,604 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $2,163 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $3,270 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $642,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $76,755 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 74% more expensive in Riverside than in Missoula. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 18% steeper in Riverside compared to Missoula.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 30% greater in Riverside than in Missoula, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Riverside, with the cost of living for a single person being 28% more than in Missoula. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Riverside and Missoula remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Riverside has a higher unemployment rate than Missoula by about 61%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Riverside has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 97% more in California than in Montana. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Missoula versus Riverside:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $46.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $4.02 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Riverside, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Riverside.
- Eggs are less expensive in Missoula than in Riverside.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Riverside.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Missoula than in Riverside.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Riverside.
- Gym memberships cost more in Missoula than in Riverside.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Riverside
| Missoula | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 317,261 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 49 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 40.24 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 59.76 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Riverside's population is about 308% greater than Missoula.
- Riverside's public transportation score is within about 5% of Missoula, making them very similar.
- Riverside and Missoula are similarly walkable.
- Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Missoula, which has a score of 60.
- Riverside's crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 40.24 compared to Missoula's 33.27. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Riverside is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 59.76 vs Missoula's 66.73.
- Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Missoula it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Riverside move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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 “T Number” 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Riverside. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Riverside
With your sights set on City of Arts and Innovation, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Riverside.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Canyon Crest
- Victoria
- Downtown
- Magnolia Center
- La Sierra South
Best neighborhoods for families
- Orangecrest
- Mission Grove
- Canyon Crest
- Alessandro Heights
- Victoria
Things to do in Riverside
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Riverside. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Riverside is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Riverside?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Missoula to Riverside. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Missoula.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Riverside?
Want to save on your move from Missoula to Riverside? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Missoula to Riverside take?
The 1,176-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Riverside, CA, takes two to eight days. Some Missoula movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Riverside.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Missoula?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Missoula provide piano moving services. Statewide, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
