Top-rated local movers that handle Missoula to Buffalo moves
When planning a move from Missoula to Buffalo, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing three local movers in Missoula who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Missoula to Buffalo.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Missoula to Buffalo?
Movers in Montana charge $140 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,426 – $6,064 | $1,213 – $2,829 | $1,193 – $2,187 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,894 – $8,303 | $2,052 – $4,451 | $1,291 – $2,877 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,378 – $12,829 | $2,758 – $5,956 | $1,646 – $3,222 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Buffalo
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Missoula to Buffalo, you can expect to spend between $1,426 and $6,064. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,894 to $8,303 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Missoula to Buffalo typically runs between $7,378 and $12,829.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Buffalo
When moving from Missoula to Buffalo, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,213 and $2,829. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,052 to $4,451. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,758 up to $5,956. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Buffalo
Renting a moving truck in Missoula is usually your cheapest option to get to Buffalo. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,193 and $2,187. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,291 and $2,877. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,646 and $3,222.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Missoula to Buffalo
The cost of Missoula movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $3,096, but larger homes can run up to $11,834.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Missoula.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,193–$3,155) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Buffalo
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Buffalo runs about 29% higher for singles and -2% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $2,589 in Missoula versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $5,720 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $2,075 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 10.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 9% lower in Buffalo than in Missoula, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 61% lower in Buffalo than in Missoula.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 7% higher in Buffalo compared to Missoula, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Buffalo, since the cost of living for a single person is 29% more than in Missoula. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Buffalo and Missoula, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 116% higher compared to Missoula, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Buffalo has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 61% higher in New York compared to Montana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Missoula with Buffalo:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $251.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $46.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $3.96 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $33.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Buffalo, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Buffalo.
- Eggs cost more in Missoula than in Buffalo.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Buffalo.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Missoula than in Buffalo.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Buffalo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Missoula than in Buffalo.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Buffalo
| Missoula | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 278,349 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 63 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 53.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Buffalo’s population is about 258% greater than Missoula.
- Buffalo’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Missoula’s score of 5.
- Buffalo is more walkable than Missoula with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Missoula’s 45 out of 100.
- Both Buffalo and Missoula have similar bike-friendliness scores (60 vs 63), meaning Buffalo is about as safe for cyclists as Missoula. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Buffalo’s crime rate is lower than Missoula with a score of 8.0 compared to Missoula’s 33.27. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Buffalo is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 53.55 vs Missoula’s 66.73.
- Air quality in Buffalo is Moderate, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Buffalo move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New York doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Buffalo smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you’ve chosen Queen City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Delaware District
- Lower West Side
- Elmwood Strip
- Downtown
- Parkside
- West Side
- North Park
- First Ward
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Harris Hill
- East Aurora
- Kenmore
- Grandyle Village
- Billington Heights
- Rapids
- Lancaster
Things to do in Buffalo
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it’s time to see what Buffalo is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Buffalo offers cultural landmarks like the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and Buffalo Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Buffalo BanditsBuffalo BeautsBuffalo Bills (AAFC)Buffalo Bisons (AHL)Buffalo Bisons (minor league)Canisius Golden GriffinsColumbus Destroyers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Buffalo?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Missoula to Buffalo are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Missoula are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Buffalo?
Because spring and fall moves from Missoula to Buffalo are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Missoula to Buffalo take?
A move of 2,113 miles from Missoula, MT to Buffalo, generally takes six to 17 days. Movers in Missoula sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Buffalo is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Missoula offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Missoula have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across MT, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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