Top-rated local movers that handle Missoula to San Jose moves
When planning a move from Missoula to San Jose, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing three local movers in Missoula who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Missoula to San Jose.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Missoula to San Jose?
Movers in Montana charge $140 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,453 – $5,745 | $858 – $2,092 | $628 – $1,279 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,992 – $6,759 | $1,495 – $2,945 | $742 – $1,519 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,999 – $9,318 | $1,916 – $3,681 | $843 – $1,741 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to San Jose
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Missoula to San Jose, you can expect to spend between $1,453 and $5,745. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,992 to $6,759 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Missoula to San Jose typically runs between $4,999 and $9,318.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to San Jose
When moving from Missoula to San Jose, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $858 and $2,092. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,495 to $2,945. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,916 up to $3,681. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to San Jose
Renting a moving truck in Missoula is usually your cheapest option to get to San Jose. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $628 and $1,279. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $742 and $1,519. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $843 and $1,741.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Missoula to San Jose

What to know before moving from Missoula to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 83% higher for singles and 43% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Missoula versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $8,354 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $3,027 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Jose, note that rent can be roughly 134% more expensive than it is in Missoula; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 167% higher in San Jose than in Missoula.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 41% higher in San Jose compared to Missoula, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person is 83% more than in Missoula. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Jose, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 43% more than it is in Missoula.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 50% higher compared to Missoula, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- San Jose 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% higher in California compared to Montana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Missoula with San Jose:
| Living Expense | Missoula | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $293.08 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $48.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $4.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Missoula than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Missoula than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Missoula than in San Jose.
How life is different in Missoula vs. San Jose
| Missoula | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 971,233 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 62 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 47.73 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 52.27 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 1149% greater than Missoula.
- San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Missoula’s score of 5.
- San Jose is more walkable than Missoula with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Missoula’s 45 out of 100.
- Both San Jose and Missoula have similar bike-friendliness scores (60 vs 62), meaning San Jose is about as safe for cyclists as Missoula. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- San Jose’s crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 47.73 compared to Missoula’s 33.27. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- San Jose is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 52.27 vs Missoula’s 66.73.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to San Jose move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Jose smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Jose
Now that you’ve chosen Man Jose as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Jose is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Jose offers cultural landmarks like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
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When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to San Jose?
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