Moving from Montana to Idaho (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 522-mile interstate move from Montana to Idaho. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 880 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Montana to Idaho?
The rates below are based on 880 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 522-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,370 - $3,710 | $680 - $1,580 | $410 - $730 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,380 - $6,330 | $1,210 - $2,410 | $420 - $940 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,420 - $9,440 | $1,530 - $3,070 | $570 - $1,090 |
Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 85% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
32% of movers in Montana offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a Montana to Idaho move
The ranges above cover loading, 522 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Montana to Idaho) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $640 - $1,660 |
| Packing materials only | $150 - $430 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $330 - $930 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $280 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $80 - $270 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $190 - $450 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $210 - $610 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $350 - $550 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item (a 40-pound TV settles at $24). Full-value protection is the add-on most worth paying for on a 522-mile haul.
11% of movers in Montana handle piano moves, 8% handle pool tables, and 16% handle safes. 8% of Montana movers require a deposit to book, and 4% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Montana to Idaho Movers
These movers average a 88% positive review rate among Montana movers we track.
Compare movers for your Montana to Idaho move
We track and rate long-distance movers based in Montana year-round — here's how the top options for a Idaho move stack up against each other:
0% of Montana movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
523 Business Hub Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714
1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601
9562 Futurity Dr Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808
1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT 59802
209 Commerce, Missoula, MT 59808
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Alternate Montana to Idaho moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Montana to Idaho move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 85% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Montana run $59 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Idaho end. 11% of movers in Montana offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Montana on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Idaho for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $325 - $829 to rent in Montana, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Montana to Idaho move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Idaho to Montana guide.
Montana to Idaho cost of living comparison
Moving from Montana to Idaho means adjusting to a different cost of living, job market, and housing landscape. Our moving trends data across major U.S. routes shows these are the factors that most commonly shape a relocation like this one:
| Factor | Montana | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 106 |
| Average household income | $66,341 | $70,214 |
| Median home value | $462,631 | $451,520 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.7% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 5.8% |
| Average monthly rent | $974 | $1,061 |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 6.03% |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 11.68 |
| College graduation rate | 34.8% | 30.72% |
| Population | 1,132,812 | 1,964,726 |
Idaho has a higher cost of living than Montana, so most people moving in this direction are doing so for career, family, or lifestyle reasons rather than affordability. Budget for higher housing costs and day-to-day expenses compared to what you're used to in Montana.
Idaho's largest industries are Real estate and rental and leasing ($10.7 billion), Manufacturing ($8.6 billion), and Professional and business services ($8 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Montana to Idaho
How does the cost of living in Idaho compare to Montana?
Idaho's cost of living index of 106 is higher than Montana's 100 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel pricier. Average rent runs $974 in Montana versus $1,061 in Idaho. Crime index is 23.37 in Montana vs 11.68 in Idaho. 30.72% of Idaho adults hold a college degree, versus 34.8% in Montana.
What's the cheapest way to move from Montana to Idaho?
A rental truck is cheapest: $420 - $940 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 85% less than full-service. At 522 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $173 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,210 - $2,410, about 60% less than full-service) skip the drive entirely. Use our moving cost calculator to compare all 3 for your move size.
How do I get a moving quote from Montana to Idaho?
Use our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate on this 522-mile route. Full-service runs $1,370-$6,330, or a rental truck starts at $409. Take a room-by-room inventory of your furniture and bulky items so your quote matches your final bill. Then collect a few real quotes and confirm whether each is binding or non-binding — moveBuddha has reviewed 25 movers in Montana alone.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Montana at Montana's official regulatorandin Idaho at Idaho's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Montana to Idaho move?
People making this move are often chasing ample economic opportunity in Idaho.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 60% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
Popular Montana to Idaho moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Montana to Idaho corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Montana to Idaho: the bottom line
The cost to move from Montana to Idaho depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 60% - 85% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 522-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.