($675+) Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Albuquerque, NM, runs anywhere from $675 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,776 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,120 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,601, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,776 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,157 - $4,053, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $675 - $1,936.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Albuquerque, NM. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,944 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Albuquerque: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,944 - $6,836. Moving containers run about 45% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 75% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,120-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,120-mile route from Missoula to Albuquerque, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,601 - $5,972 | $1,157 - $2,316 | $675 - $1,378 | $1,041 - $1,885 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,944 - $6,836 | $1,613 - $3,132 | $745 - $1,527 | $1,290 - $2,554 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,220 - $9,776 | $1,972 - $4,053 | $1,003 - $1,936 | $1,594 - $3,373 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM
For the 1,120-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, full-service movers cost between $2,601 and $9,776. 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 Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,601 - $5,972
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,944 - $6,836
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,220 - $9,776
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 Albuquerque.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Albuquerque, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Albuquerque?
Movers licensed to operate in New Mexico are typically members of the New Mexico Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Missoula, MT. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, cost between $1,157 and $4,053. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Albuquerque. If you go over that window, storage in Missoula adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,157 - $2,316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,972 - $4,053
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $157 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Albuquerque, NM, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $732 in Missoula, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Montana to New Mexico move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,157. 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 $1,613 - $3,132.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Albuquerque?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Albuquerque, NM
Plan on $675 - $1,936 for a rental moving truck on the 1,120-mile route from Missoula, Montana, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $373 - $426
- 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 size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Missoula to Albuquerque based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $675 - $1,378
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $745 - $1,527
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,003 - $1,936
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Albuquerque looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $675 - $1,936. But once you factor in fuel ($373 - $426), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $157 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $68 and $340 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $373 - $426 in fuel for the 1,120-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $732 in Missoula, Montana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Albuquerque?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Albuquerque, NM
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 Albuquerque, New Mexico. 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 $1,290 and $2,554.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $1,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,290 - $2,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,373
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 Albuquerque?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque, NM
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Albuquerque, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Albuquerque, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 92 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $265,984 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $65,604/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 5.9% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 28.28/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Albuquerque, NM to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Montana to New Mexico, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Montana alone has 25 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,120-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Missoula, MT, to Albuquerque, NM, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,601 - $9,776 on the 1,120-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,157 - $4,053 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $675 - $1,936 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,944 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include SunBridge Healthcare and Khi.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Albuquerque, NM
How walkable is Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 61, compared to 45 and 60 in Missoula. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Albuquerque a safe place to live?
Albuquerque has a safety index of 28.28 out of 100 and a crime index of 71.72, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM?
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.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Albuquerque, NM take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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.