($1,315+) Missoula, MT to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $1,315 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,920 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,275 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 18 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 $2,934, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $14,920 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,813 - $6,848, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,315 - $3,937.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,422 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from Missoula to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $4,422 - $9,557 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,275-mile route typically takes 7 to 18 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,275-mile route from Missoula to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,934 - $7,253 | $1,813 - $3,257 | $1,315 - $2,698 | $1,664 - $3,147 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,422 - $9,557 | $2,440 - $4,957 | $1,526 - $3,211 | $1,766 - $3,927 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,388 - $14,920 | $3,321 - $6,848 | $1,797 - $3,937 | $2,504 - $4,956 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Missoula, MT to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Missoula, Montana, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $2,934 and $14,920. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,275-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $400 - $2,668, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Missoula and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Missoula tend to start around $342 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Missoula to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,934 - $7,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,422 - $9,557
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,388 - $14,920
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 Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $667 - $6,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $267 - $1,601/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $400 - $3,202 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $1,334 - $4,002 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,335 - $13,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $999 - $1,898 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,334 - $3,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,067 - $4,669 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $400 - $2,001 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $867 - $2,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $400 - $20,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $400 - $4,669+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Arlington?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s 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 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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,813 and $6,848. 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 Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,813 - $3,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,440 - $4,957
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,321 - $6,848
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 $934 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 $100 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $200 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 Arlington, VA, 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 $1,813. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,440 - $4,957, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Arlington?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- All Lanes Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Missoula, MT to Arlington, VA
A rental truck for this 2,275-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,315 and $3,937. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $966 - $1,104
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,315 - $2,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,526 - $3,211
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,797 - $3,937
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,315 - $3,937 does not include fuel ($966 - $1,104) , lodging ($200/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Missoula to Arlington typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $200 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 $934 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,275-mile drive falls between $966 and $1,104, 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 $67 and $400 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia. 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. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,766 and $3,927.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,664 - $3,147
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,766 - $3,927
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,504 - $4,956
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $100 - $200 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Missoula, Montana, typically costs $934.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Arlington?
- 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.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Missoula on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Missoula, MT | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,322/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $426,764 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $65,329/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.75% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 66.73/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from Montana to Virginia, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 11 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 2,275-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,275-mile route from Missoula, MT, to Arlington, VA, run $2,934 - $14,920 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,813 - $6,848, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,315 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,422, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Arlington, VA
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Arlington, VA?
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 $1,526 - $3,211. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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 Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Arlington, VA?
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 percentage of Missoula movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Missoula handle piano moves, compared to 71% nationally.