Factors that influence moving costs from Missoula to Lansingtoggle

The cost of Missoula movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Missoula to Lansing might cost as little as $1,782, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $14,281.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Missoula, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,273 to $3,353. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Missoula to Lansing

Moving from Missoula to Lansing means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Missoula than in Lansing, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Missoula compares to Lansing so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Missoula Lansing
Average rent cost $1,322 $1,129
Average home value $544,475 $148,542
Average income (per capita) $59,180 $64,729
Cost of living (single person) $2,011 $1,595
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,832 $4,199
Unemployment rate 4.4% 7.4%
Sales tax 0.0% 6.0%
State income tax 6.75% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lansing are 15% lower than in Missoula, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Lansing are 72.7% lower than in Missoula.
  • Income in Lansing is 9.4% higher than in Missoula, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lansing include Health Management Associates, Michigan State Police, and Sparrow Health System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lansing is 20.7% lower than in Missoula. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lansing is 28.0% lower than in Missoula.
  • The unemployment rate in Lansing is 68.18% higher than in Missoula.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lansing, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lansing are 6.00% higher than in Missoula.
  • One perk of moving to Lansing is paying less in state income taxes, which are 37.04% lower than in Missoula.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,379.41 in Lansing to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Missoula.

How life is different in Missoula vs. Lansing

Lansing Missoula
Population 112,644 77,757
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 46 45
Bike friendliness score 55 60
Crime Index 48.66 33.27
Safety Index 51.34 66.73
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lansing's population is about 45% greater than Missoula.
  • Lansing's public transportation has a similar score to Missoula.
  • Lansing and Missoula are similarily walkable.
  • Lansing has a bike-friendliness score 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Missoula, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
  • Lansing's crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 48.66 compared to Missoula's 33.27. This means that Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
  • Lansing is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 51.34 vs Missoula's 66.73.
  • Air quality in Lansing is good, and in Missoula it's good.

Other things to consider for your Missoula vs. Lansing move

  • Weather: Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
  • 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Michigan doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lansing. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Lansing

Ready to relocate to "Capital City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Lansing.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Okemos
  • Waverly
  • DeWitt
  • Mason
  • DeWitt Charter Township

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Okemos
  • Haslett
  • Waverly
  • DeWitt Charter Township
  • Holt

Things to do in Lansing

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Michigan, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Lansing has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Lansing features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail 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 Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Missoula to Lansing?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Missoula to Lansing. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Missoula.

When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Lansing?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Missoula to Lansing, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Missoula to Lansing take?

The 1,809-mile journey from Missoula, MT to Lansing, MI typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Missoula offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lansing.

Helpful moving resources