Moving from Missoula to Billings, MT
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Quick answer: Moving from Missoula to Billings costs between $378 to $9,028 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 342-mile route within Montana take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Missoula to Billings
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Missoula to Billings are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Missoula to driving and unloading in Billings, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 342 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,407 - $6,626 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,383 - $2,531 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $415 - $808 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $150/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Missoula to Billings?
It costs between $378 to $9,028 to move from Missoula to Billings. The prices below break down your 342-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,491 - $9,028
- Moving containers: $1,039 - $3,119
- Rental trucks: $378 - $1,018
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,491 - $5,192 | $1,039 - $1,877 | $378 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,407 - $6,626 | $1,383 - $2,531 | $415 - $808 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,623 - $9,028 | $1,828 - $3,119 | $541 - $1,018 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $339 - $2,825+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $226 - $904 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $56 - $226 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Missoula to Billings
At 342 miles, your Missoula to Billings move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Missoula to Billings. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Montana, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 342 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Missoula to Billings. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 96.6% of their 232 verified reviews are positive.
More Montana moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings to Missoula guide.
Considerations when moving from Missoula to Billings
Cost of living: Missoula vs. Billings
The cost of living in Missoula vs. Billings isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Billings compares to what you’re used to in Missoula.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Missoula | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,322 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $426,764 | $310,937 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,329 | $71,855 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,011 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,832 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Billings are similar to those in Missoula, so you shouldn't see much change in your budget.
- Home prices in Billings are 27% lower than in Missoula. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Billings, where average income is 10% higher than in Missoula — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- The cost of living for a single person in Billings is 12% lower than in Missoula, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 22% lower in Billings than in Missoula. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Billings is 7% lower than in Missoula. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- Neither Missoula nor Billings has a sales tax, so everyday purchases like clothing, dining, and electronics won’t cost extra at checkout in either location.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Missoula, you’ll need about $2,640 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Billings.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Billings
Before you move, check out how life in Billings measures up to Missoula. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Missoula | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 184,167 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58.4-38.5 | Republican 61-37 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 15" | 14" |
| Annual snow | 40" | 46" |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 48.63 |
Billings sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Billings has a population roughly 137% higher than Missoula. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, Billings voted Republican, while Missoula leaned Democratic.
- You’ll find that both Billings and Missoula have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Missoula and Billings—with winter lows around 16°F and 16°F.
- Both Missoula and Billings see similar yearly rainfall—Missoula averages 15 inches, while Billings gets 14 inches.
- Billings gets more snow annually than Missoula, with about 46 inches compared to Missoula’s 40 inches.
- Billings shows a higher crime rate than Missoula, with index scores of 48.63 compared to 33.27.
Things to do in Billings
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Billings has plenty to offer:
Museums in Billings
- Moss Mansion
- Yellowstone Art Museum
- Western Heritage Center
- Yellowstone County Museum
- Wise Wonders Children's Museum
Parks in Billings
- The Rimrocks
- ZooMontana
- DanWalt Gardens
- Pictograph Cave State Park
- Pioneer Park
Sports teams in Billings
- Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC)
Universities in Billings
- Montana State University Billings
- Rocky Mountain College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Missoula to Billings?
Shipping furniture from Missoula to Billings with a moving company typically costs between $1,357 and $4,402. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,407 to $6,626. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $3,623 and $9,028 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Missoula to Billings?
If you’re planning a move from Missoula to Billings and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $703 and $1,753. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,383 to $2,531. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,828 to $3,119.
How much is a moving truck from Missoula to Billings?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $390 and $718. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $415 and $808. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Missoula to Billings, truck rentals usually range from $541 up to $1,018.
How far in advance should I book Missoula-to-Billings movers?
To make your move from Missoula to Billings as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Billings?
The cheapest time of year to move to Billings is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
