($1,027+) Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

Moving from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI, runs anywhere from $1,027 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,648 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,857 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,876, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,648 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,588 - $5,553, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,027 - $2,881.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,610 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

Moving options from Missoula to Detroit fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,610 - $7,943 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 44% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 66% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,857 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,857-mile route from Missoula to Detroit, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,876 - $6,275 $1,588 - $3,005 $1,027 - $2,061 $1,388 - $2,627
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,610 - $7,943 $2,014 - $3,887 $1,216 - $2,501 $1,518 - $3,238
4+ bedrooms $7,085 - $12,648 $2,647 - $5,553 $1,417 - $2,881 $2,203 - $4,098

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

For the 1,857-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan, full-service movers cost between $2,876 and $12,648. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,092 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Missoula generally start around $342 plus $150 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Detroit:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,876 - $6,275
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,610 - $7,943
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,085 - $12,648

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Missoula to Detroit.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Detroit, 59% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing75% of local movers$523 - $5,230
Storage in transitNew place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$209 - $1,255/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$314 - $2,510
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,046 - $3,138
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,615 - $10,460
Car shippingSecond vehicle$783 - $1,488
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$1,046 - $2,615
PianoAny piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$837 - $3,661
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers$314 - $1,569
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$680 - $2,092
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$314 - $15,690+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$314 - $3,661+

What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Detroit?

Michigan Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Michigan, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Missoula, MT. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan, cost between $1,588 and $5,553. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Missoula typically costs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Detroit:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,588 - $3,005
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,014 - $3,887
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,647 - $5,553

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Missoula, MT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $732, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Missoula, MT, and Detroit, MI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,588. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,014 - $3,887.

What are the best moving containers Missoula to Detroit?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Missoula to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Missoula:

Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

A rental truck for this 1,857-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan, costs between $1,027 and $2,881. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $618 - $706
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Missoula daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Missoula to Detroit based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $2,061
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,216 - $2,501
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,417 - $2,881

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,027 - $2,881 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Missoula to Detroit. Fuel ($618 - $706), lodging at around $157/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $618 - $706 for the 1,857-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $732.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,857-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $157 per night, adding $314 - $471 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $52 and $314.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Detroit?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Missoula, Montana, to Detroit, Michigan. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,518 and $3,238.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Detroit:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,388 - $2,627
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,518 - $3,238
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,203 - $4,098

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Missoula, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $732.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Detroit?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Detroit, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Detroit, MI

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Detroit, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Missoula, MT Detroit, MI
Cost of living index11392
Average rent$1,322/mo$1,250/mo
Median home value$426,764$79,675
Average income$65,329/yr$39,575/yr
Unemployment rate4.4%9.06%
State income taxUp to 6.75%Up to 4.25%
Walkability score45/10051/100
Safety index66.73/10027.08/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Detroit, MI to Missoula, MT guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Montana to Michigan in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 25 movers based in Montana, handy for sizing up options on this 1,857-mile route.

30%+
Save 30%+
moveBuddha users save an average of at least 30% by checking pricing before booking.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
We provide added coverage and dedicated support throughout for moveBuddha Certified moves.
✓
Dispute mediation
If anything goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

For a move from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,876 for a studio to $12,648 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,857-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,588 - $5,553. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,027 - $2,881, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,610 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Motors and Henry Ford Health System.

FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Detroit, MI

What are the best neighborhoods in Detroit?

For families, Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods, and University District are worth a look in Detroit. If you're moving solo or without kids, Corktown, Brush Park, and Woodbridge tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,216 - $2,501. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is Detroit a safe place to live?

Detroit has a safety index of 27.08 out of 100 and a crime index of 72.92, compared to 66.73 and 33.27 in Missoula. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What is the best time of year to move from Missoula, MT to Detroit, MI?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 25% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.