Quick answer: For a 516-mile move from Missoula to Olympia, expect to spend around $585–$8,001 and one to six days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Olympia to Missoula guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Missoula to Olympia
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Missoula to Olympia isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to WA move
Local movers servicing Missoula to Olympia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Missoula that also provides long-distance services to Olympia can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Missoula who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Missoula to Olympia.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.38 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 Olympia?
Missoula movers charge $150 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 | $1,781 - $4,412 | $857 - $2,064 | $533 - $999 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,860 - $8,001 | $1,474 - $2,847 | $585 - $1,128 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,421 - $11,823 | $1,940 - $3,659 | $709 - $1,317 |
Cost to hire movers from Montana to Washington
Planning a move from Montana to Washington? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,781 and $4,412. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,860 and $8,001 for the same journey (MT to WA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,421 to $11,823.
Cost of moving containers from Montana to Washington
If you're relocating from Montana to Washington, you'll typically spend between $857 and $2,064 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,474 up to $2,847. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,940 and $3,659. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Montana to Washington
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $533 and $999 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $585 to $1,128. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $709 to $1,317.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Missoula to Olympia
What to know before moving from Missoula to Olympia
Moving from Missoula to Olympia comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Olympia is generally more expensive than Missoula, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Missoula | Olympia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,322 | $1,895 |
Average home value | $544,475 | $508,798 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $66,492 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,011 | $2,473 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,832 | $5,391 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 9.4% |
State income tax | 6.75% | 0.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Olympia, since prices are typically 43% higher than in Missoula.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Olympia.
Home prices in Olympia are 6.6% lower than in Missoula. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Olympia, where incomes are, on average, 12.4% higher than in Missoula. Major employers in Olympia include Washington State ESD, The Evergreen State College, and Employment Security Department.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Olympia, since the cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 23.0% higher than in Missoula. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Olympia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 7.6% less than what it costs in Missoula.
- The unemployment rate in Olympia is 27.27% higher than in Missoula.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Olympia, since its sales taxes are 9.40% higher than what you are paying in Missoula.
- One perk of moving to Olympia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Missoula.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,689.21 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Missoula.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Olympia
Olympia | Missoula | |
---|---|---|
Population | 55,605 | 77,757 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 39 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 59 | 60 |
Crime Index | 27.95 | 33.27 |
Safety Index | 62.25 | 66.73 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 28% less than Missoula.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Olympia will be about the same as it currently is in Missoula. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Olympia neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Missoula. Based on its score of 39 out of 100, Olympia isn't as walkable as Missoula, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Olympia and Missoula are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 59 and 60 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Olympia has a lower crime rate than Missoula based on scores of 27.95 and Missoula's 33.27, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Olympia. With a crime index of 62.25, Olympia ranks lower in overall safety than Missoula, whose index is 66.73. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Olympia and Missoula is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Missoula vs. Olympia move
- Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Washington, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Olympia Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Olympia
Ready to relocate to Oly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Bigelow Highlands
- North East
- Bigelow
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bigelow Highlands
- Holiday Hills
- Woodfield Estates
- Cain Road
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
Now that you've made the move to Washington it's the perfect time to explore Olympia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Olympia, such as the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Olympia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Missoula to Olympia You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Missoula.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Olympia?
Because spring and fall moves from Missoula to Olympia 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 Olympia take?
The 516-mile journey from Missoula, MT to Olympia, WA, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Missoula offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Olympia.