($1,130+) Missoula, MT to Houston, TX Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX, runs anywhere from $1,130 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,735 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,904 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,766, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,735 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,552 - $5,714, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,130 - $2,954.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,702 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 Houston, TX
Moving options from Missoula to Houston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,702 - $8,541 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,904-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,904-mile route from Missoula to Houston, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,766 for a studio up to $12,735 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,552 - $5,714 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,130 - $2,954, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,368 - $4,261, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,904-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas, with prices running from $2,766 - $12,735. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $320 - $2,132 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Houston are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Missoula movers tend to run around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,766 - $6,192
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,702 - $8,541
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,304 - $12,735
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 Houston.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Houston, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Houston?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Missoula, MT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas, cost between $1,552 and $5,714. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Missoula costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Missoula to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,552 - $2,793
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,007 - $4,284
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,691 - $5,714
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $80 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $160 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $746 in Missoula, MT, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Houston, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,552. 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 $2,007 - $4,284.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Truck rentals from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas, range from $1,130 - $2,954 for the 1,904-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $646 - $738
- Daily insurance: $32/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 Houston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $2,241
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,199 - $2,463
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,558 - $2,954
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,130 - $2,954 when pricing out a rental truck from Missoula to Houston. Fuel alone runs $646 - $738, and overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $646 - $738 for the 1,904-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Missoula, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $746.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,904-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $160 per night, adding $320 - $480 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $53 and $320.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Houston?
- 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 Houston, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to Houston, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $959 and $3,196.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Houston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,368 - $2,699
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,557 - $3,196
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,197 - $4,261
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $746.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $160 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 Houston?
- 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.
- 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula to Houston. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Houston, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Houston, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 97 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,549/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $258,925 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $62,894/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 47/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 36.5/100 |
| 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 Houston, TX to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Montana to Texas over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 19 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 1,904-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,904-mile route from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX, run $2,766 - $12,735 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,552 - $5,714, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,130 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,702, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Houston tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and ample economic opportunity, though tropical storms and heat and humidity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include H-E-B and Houston Methodist.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Houston, TX
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.
How much does it cost to move from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,130 to $12,735, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,766 and $12,735, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,199 - $2,463. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($646 - $738), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $160/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Houston, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 40% and 26% nationally.