Top-rated local movers that handle Missoula to Tacoma moves
When planning a move from Missoula to Tacoma, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing three local movers in Missoula who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Missoula to Tacoma.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.22 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 Tacoma?
Movers in Montana charge $140 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 | $1,348 – $3,831 | $638 – $1,594 | $406 – $757 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,249 – $6,222 | $1,186 – $2,197 | $445 – $845 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,011 – $9,103 | $1,609 – $2,879 | $544 – $1,071 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Tacoma
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Missoula to Tacoma, you can expect to spend between $1,348 and $3,831. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,249 to $6,222 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Missoula to Tacoma typically runs between $4,011 and $9,103.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Tacoma
When moving from Missoula to Tacoma, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $638 and $1,594. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,186 to $2,197. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,609 up to $2,879. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Tacoma
Renting a moving truck in Missoula is usually your cheapest option to get to Tacoma. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $406 and $757. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $445 and $845. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $544 and $1,071.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Missoula to Tacoma
The cost of Missoula movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,727, but larger homes can run up to $7,554.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Missoula.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($406–$908) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Tacoma
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tacoma runs about 106% higher for singles and 24% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $4,133 in Missoula versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $7,260 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $1,935 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $3,389 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $477,289 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $73,341 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $4,133 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $7,260 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.3% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 0.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Tacoma, note that rent can be roughly 25% more expensive than it is in Missoula; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 12% lower in Tacoma than in Missoula.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 24% higher in Tacoma compared to Missoula, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Tacoma, since the cost of living for a single person is 106% more than in Missoula. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Tacoma, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Tacoma is 24% more than it is in Missoula.
- The unemployment rate in Tacoma is 66% higher compared to Missoula, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Tacoma has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Missoula with Tacoma:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $229.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $71.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.84 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $4.21 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $51.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Tacoma, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- Eggs are less expensive in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Missoula than in Tacoma.
- Gym memberships cost more in Missoula than in Tacoma.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Tacoma
| Missoula | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 223,968 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 54 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 48 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 55.55 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 44.45 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tacoma’s population is about 188% greater than Missoula.
- Tacoma’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Missoula’s score of 5.
- Tacoma is more walkable than Missoula with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Missoula’s 45 out of 100.
- Tacoma has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Missoula, which has a score of 60.
- Tacoma’s crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 55.55 compared to Missoula’s 33.27. This means that Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Tacoma is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 44.45 vs Missoula’s 66.73.
- Air quality in Tacoma is Good, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Tacoma move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Tacoma smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Tacoma
Now that you’ve chosen America’s #1 Wired City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Tacoma to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Eastside-Enact
- North End
- Northeast Tacoma
- West End
Best neighborhoods for families
- North End
- West End
Things to do in Tacoma
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it’s time to see what Tacoma is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Tacoma offers cultural landmarks like the LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Collections at Marymount, and Washington State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 5 Mile Drive & Trails, and Wright Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Tacoma Defiance (Soccer)Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Tacoma?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Missoula to Tacoma are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Missoula are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Tacoma?
Because spring and fall moves from Missoula to Tacoma 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 Tacoma take?
A move of 489 miles from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Missoula sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Tacoma is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Missoula offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Missoula have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across MT, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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