($405+) Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA Movers
Moving from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA, runs anywhere from $405 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,083 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 489 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,508, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,083 or more.
- Moving containers run $982 - $2,990, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $405 - $1,147.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,434 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 Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Missoula to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,434 - $6,148 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 489 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 489-mile route from Missoula to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,508 - $4,526 | $982 - $1,846 | $405 - $787 | $884 - $1,614 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,434 - $6,148 | $1,195 - $2,378 | $463 - $933 | $1,047 - $1,940 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,165 - $9,083 | $1,589 - $2,990 | $582 - $1,147 | $1,285 - $2,417 |
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 Tacoma, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 489-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington, with prices running from $1,508 - $9,083. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $351 - $2,340 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Missoula and Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $4,526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,434 - $6,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,165 - $9,083
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 Tacoma.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Missoula movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tacoma, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| 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 | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items46% nationallyTop pick: | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling67% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Missoula to Tacoma?
Look for Washington Movers Conference membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Washington beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Missoula, MT?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Missoula to Tacoma with a local mover averages $2,313 - $5,841. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Missoula, MT often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Missoula, based on our analysis of feedback from 232 customers, 96.6% of which is positive.
Address: 6491 E Seltice Way, Post Fall, ID, 83854 | Founded: 2018
Moving container costs from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $982 and $2,990. 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 Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $982 - $1,846
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,378
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,589 - $2,990
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Missoula, MT, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $819, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $88 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $176 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Missoula, MT, and Tacoma, WA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $982. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,195 - $2,378, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Missoula to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
A rental truck for this 489-mile move from Missoula, Montana, to Tacoma, Washington, costs between $405 and $1,147. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $182 - $208
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $405 - $787
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $463 - $933
- 4+ bedrooms: $582 - $1,147
Pro tip: A rental truck from Missoula to Tacoma looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $405 - $1,147. But once you factor in fuel ($182 - $208) , overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $182 - $208 for the 489-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 $819.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 489-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $351 - $527 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $351.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Missoula to Tacoma?
- 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 Tacoma, WA
For larger DIY moves from Missoula, Montana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tacoma, Washington.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,047 and $1,940.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Missoula to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $884 - $1,614
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,047 - $1,940
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,285 - $2,417
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $88 - $176 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 $819.
What are the best freight companies from Missoula to Tacoma?
- 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.
- Jones Bros Trucking (4.58/5 stars): Jones Bros Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Tacoma quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Missoula, MT vs Tacoma, WA
Good news for your budget: Tacoma isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Missoula. Cost of living index runs 123 there against 113 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 45/100 and 66.73/100 here versus 54/100 and 44.45/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Missoula, MT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quotes from Montana to Washington 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 11 movers in our Montana network to compare for this 489-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,508 - $9,083 on the 489-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $982 - $2,990 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $405 - $1,147 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,434 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Missoula, MT, to Tacoma, WA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA?
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 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 Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA 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 are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?
For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Missoula, MT to Tacoma, WA?
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 $463 - $933. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
