($1,155+) Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN

Moving from Missoula, MT, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $1,155 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,242 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,044 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,789, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,242 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,619 - $5,533, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,155 - $3,153.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,047 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN

There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to Chattanooga: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $4,047 - $8,694. Containers cost roughly 51% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,044 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,044-mile route from Missoula to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,789 - $6,461 $1,619 - $3,135 $1,155 - $2,162 $1,486 - $2,849
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,047 - $8,694 $1,971 - $4,438 $1,276 - $2,707 $1,675 - $3,280
4+ bedrooms $7,287 - $12,242 $2,841 - $5,533 $1,594 - $3,153 $2,138 - $4,746

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN

For the 2,044-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $2,789 and $12,242. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,076 (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 Chattanooga:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,789 - $6,461
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,047 - $8,694
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,287 - $12,242

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 Chattanooga.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN

Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 45% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing75% of local movers$519 - $5,190
Storage in transitNew place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$208 - $1,246/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$311 - $2,491
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$1,038 - $3,114
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,595 - $10,380
Car shippingSecond vehicle$777 - $1,477
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$1,038 - $2,595
PianoAny piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$830 - $3,633
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers$311 - $1,557
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC$675 - $2,076
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$311 - $15,570+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$311 - $3,633+

What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Chattanooga?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

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 Chattanooga, TN

Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,619 and $5,533. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Missoula typically runs around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Chattanooga:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,619 - $3,135
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,971 - $4,438
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,841 - $5,533

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $727 in Missoula, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $156 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chattanooga, TN, destination before booking.

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 $1,619. 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 $1,971 - $4,438.

What are the best moving containers Missoula to Chattanooga?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chattanooga, TN

Plan on $1,155 - $3,153 for a rental moving truck on the 2,044-mile route from Missoula, Montana, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $675 - $772
  • 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Missoula to Chattanooga based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,155 - $2,162
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,707
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $3,153

Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Chattanooga looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,155 - $3,153. But once you factor in fuel ($675 - $772), overnight lodging ($156/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?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Missoula, Montana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $727.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $675 - $772 for the 2,044-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $156 per night for hotel stops on the 2,044-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $467.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Chattanooga?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chattanooga, TN

For larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,675 and $3,280.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Chattanooga:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,486 - $2,849
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,675 - $3,280
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,138 - $4,746

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $727.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $156 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 Chattanooga?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Missoula to Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chattanooga, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Missoula, MT Chattanooga, TN
Cost of living index11390
Average rent$1,322/mo$1,475/mo
Median home value$426,764$259,125
Average income$65,329/yr$61,028/yr
Unemployment rate4.4%5.6%
State income taxUp to 6.75%None
Walkability score45/10029/100
Safety index66.73/10046.11/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Chattanooga, TN to Missoula, MT guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quote from Montana to Tennessee, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 25 movers licensed in Montana, useful context for sizing up this 2,044-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Missoula, MT, to Chattanooga, TN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,789 - $12,242 on the 2,044-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,619 - $5,533, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,155 - $3,153. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,047 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.

FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Chattanooga, TN

How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Chattanooga, TN?

Costs on this route range from around $1,155 to $12,242, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,789 and $12,242, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Missoula?

Local movers based in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chattanooga run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?

Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

What are the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga?

For families, North Shore, St. Elmo, and Lookout Mountain are worth a look in Chattanooga. If you're moving solo or without kids, Southside, Martin Luther King, and Fort Wood tend to be popular picks instead.

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.