($1,144+) Missoula, MT to McAllen, TX Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to McAllen, TX, runs anywhere from $1,144 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,307 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,065 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 $2,828, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,307 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,646 - $5,806, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,144 - $3,319.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to McAllen, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,864 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 McAllen, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Missoula to McAllen: 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 $3,864 - $8,277. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 66% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,065 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 2,065-mile route from Missoula to McAllen, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,828 - $6,188 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,646 - $3,188), rental truck ($1,144 - $2,141), or freight trailer ($1,467 - $2,788). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,864 - $8,277 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,307.
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 McAllen, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,065-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to McAllen, Texas, with costs ranging from $2,828 - $12,307. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $295 - $1,964. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Missoula and McAllen. Local movers in Missoula typically start around $342 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,828 - $6,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,864 - $8,277
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,243 - $12,307
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 McAllen.
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 McAllen, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In McAllen, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type25% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving On Up LLC | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to McAllen?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Missoula, MT. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to McAllen, TX
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to McAllen, Texas, cost between $1,646 and $5,806. 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 McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,646 - $3,188
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,129 - $4,470
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,889 - $5,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $74 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $147 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 $687 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 McAllen, 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 $1,646. 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 $2,129 - $4,470.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to McAllen?
- 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 McAllen, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,065 miles from Missoula, Montana, to McAllen, Texas, running $1,144 - $3,319. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $645 - $737
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 McAllen based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,144 - $2,141
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $2,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,319
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to McAllen looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,144 - $3,319. But once you factor in fuel ($645 - $737), overnight lodging ($147/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Missoula, Montana, usually costs about $687 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,065-mile drive falls between $645 and $737, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $295 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to McAllen?
- 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 McAllen, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, to McAllen, 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 $884 and $3,543.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to McAllen:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,467 - $2,788
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,543
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,198 - $4,369
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 $687.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $74 - $147 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 McAllen?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Missoula to McAllen. 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 McAllen, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in McAllen, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 76 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $1,350/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $173,919 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $60,165/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 63.74/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 McAllen, 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 25 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 2,065-mile move.
Our take
The 2,065-mile move from Missoula, MT, to McAllen, TX, costs between $2,828 and $12,307 with full-service movers, $1,646 - $5,806 with a moving container, and $1,144 - $3,319 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,864 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The Monitor Group and Am-Mex Products.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to McAllen, 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 McAllen, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,144 to $12,307, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,828 and $12,307, 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 McAllen, 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 $1,327 - $2,683. 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 ($645 - $737), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to McAllen, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 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.