Moving from Montana to North Dakota ($1,410-$6,400)
The cost to move from Montana to North Dakota ranges from $1,410 to $6,400 with full-service movers, based on 1,035 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific Montana to North Dakota route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from Montana to North Dakota?
The average cost of moving from Montana to North Dakota with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,410 to $6,400 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 1,035 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 524 miles.
The final price of your Montana to North Dakota move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,410 - $3,720 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,460 - $6,400 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,160 - $9,370 |
How much do moving containers cost from Montana to North Dakota?
A moving container from Montana to North Dakota costs between $640 and $3,170, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,260 to $2,470, roughly 65% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 524-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $640 - $1,640 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,260 - $2,470 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,680 - $3,170 |
32% of movers in Montana offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from Montana to North Dakota?
A rental truck from Montana to North Dakota costs between $430 and $1,070. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $460 to $900, about 85% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in Montana averaging $3.02 per gallon, fuel for the 524-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $430 - $800 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $460 - $900 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $570 - $1,070 |
Add-on costs for a Montana to North Dakota move
Most Montana to North Dakota estimates start as a base transport figure and climb from there as accessorials get attached. Knowing which ones actually apply to a 524-mile move is the difference between a quote that holds and one that moves on delivery day.
At 524 miles, a Montana to North Dakota move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in North Dakota. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Cost of living is close between Montana and North Dakota, so accessorial pricing on this route lands near national averages at both ends. Distance, not local labor rates, is what drives the numbers below.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Montana to North Dakota) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $640 - $1,660 |
| Packing materials only | $150 - $430 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $320 - $880 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $280 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $240 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $170 - $410 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $190 - $550 |
| 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 line item most worth the money on a 524-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your Montana to North Dakota estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
11% of movers in Montana handle piano moves, 11% handle pool tables, and 16% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 16% of Montana movers require a deposit to book, and 0% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended Montana to North Dakota Movers
These movers average a 88% positive review rate among Montana movers we track.
Compare movers for your Montana to North Dakota move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the Montana long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to North Dakota:
0% of Montana movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
1620 Rodgers Street, Missoula, MT 59802
523 Business Hub Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714
1414 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601
9562 Futurity Dr Suite B, Missoula, MT 59808
209 Commerce, Missoula, MT 59808
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Alternate Montana to North Dakota moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Montana to North Dakota move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 65% 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $315 - $834 to rent in Montana, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Montana to North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Montana guide.
Montana to North Dakota cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a Montana to North Dakota move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | Montana | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 96 |
| Average household income | $66,341 | $73,959 |
| Median home value | $462,631 | $263,410 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 2.4% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 2.9% |
| Average monthly rent | $974 | $912 |
| Average sales tax | 0.0% | 6.96% |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 22.74 |
| College graduation rate | 34.8% | 31.74% |
| Population | 1,132,812 | 783,926 |
The cost of living in North Dakota is comparable to Montana, so most people making this move are driven by career, family, or personal reasons rather than cost differences. Day-to-day expenses should feel familiar after you settle in.
North Dakota's largest industries are Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction ($6.7 billion), Real estate and rental and leasing ($6.5 billion), and Wholesale trade ($4.6 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Montana to North Dakota
What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?
Access fees run $70 - $240, and long carries over 75ft add $120 - $380. Shuttle service costs $190 - $550 if the truck can't reach your home. Fuel surcharges add 10% - 22% (about $140 - $1,410 here), specialty items like pianos run $320 - $880 each, and storage-in-transit is $170 - $410 per month. 16% of Montana movers also require a deposit.
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
Decluttering before the move saves about $150 - $700 for every 500 pounds cut. Moving off-season saves 20% - 30%, and a Tuesday - Thursday, mid-month pickup saves another 10% - 30%. Get at least 3 quotes and ask if any will price-match a lower one.
How does the cost of living in North Dakota compare to Montana?
North Dakota's cost of living index of 96 is about the same as Montana's 100 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel familiar. Average rent runs $974 in Montana versus $912 in North Dakota. Crime index is 23.37 in Montana vs 22.74 in North Dakota. 31.74% of North Dakota adults hold a college degree, versus 34.8% in Montana.
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 North Dakota at North Dakota's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Montana to North Dakota move?
People making this move are often chasing ample economic opportunity in North Dakota.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 65% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
Popular Montana to North Dakota moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Montana to North Dakota 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 North Dakota: the bottom line
The cost to move from Montana to North Dakota ranges from $1,410 - $6,400 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 65% - 85% less for the same move. For most people making this 524-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.