How we chose the best moving companies for your ND to MT move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 11 North Dakota moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from North Dakota to Montana?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from North Dakota to Montana.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,295 – $3,583 |
$629 – $1,623 |
$411 – $704 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,345 – $5,932 |
$1,113 – $2,264 |
$434 – $861 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,013 – $8,673 |
$1,606 – $2,939 |
$536 – $1,101 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 524-mile move from ND to
MT using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from North Dakota to Montana
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Dakota to Montana typically costs between
$1,295 and
$3,583.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,345
and $5,932
when moving from ND to MT.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from North Dakota to Montana,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,013
up to $8,673.
Cost of moving containers from North Dakota to Montana
If you’re relocating from North Dakota to Montana,
you’ll typically spend between $629
and $1,623 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,113 up to
$2,264.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,606 and
$2,939. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from North Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Dakota to Montana
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$411 and
$704.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$434 to
$861.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $536 and
$1,101.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to MT
Several factors can influence your moving costs from North Dakota to Montana. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in North Dakota, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from ND to MT
Transitioning from North Dakota to Montana gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Montana
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between North Dakota and Montana are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
North Dakota |
Montana |
| Average rent |
$912 |
$974 |
| Average home cost |
$263,410 |
$462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,959 |
$66,341 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.4% |
3.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.96% |
0.0% |
| State income tax |
2.9% |
6.75% |
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Rent is about 7% more expensive in Montana than in North Dakota. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Montana are roughly 76% higher than in North Dakota.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Montana are roughly 10% lower than in North Dakota.
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With a similar cost of living in both North Dakota and Montana, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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Unemployment in Montana is about 38% higher than in North Dakota. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
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Montana doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on regular purchases compared to North Dakota.
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Income taxes are 133% higher in Montana compared to North Dakota. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Montana vs. North Dakota
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Montana and North Dakota compare.
|
Montana |
North Dakota |
| Population |
1,132,812 |
783,926 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 58.4-38.5 |
Republican 68-32 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
12ºF |
0ºF |
| Annual rain |
15″ |
19″ |
| Annual snow |
49″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
23.37 |
22.74 |
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If you’re moving from North Dakota to Montana, you’ll find Montana has about 45% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
-
The last presidential election saw both North Dakota and Montana siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Montana is 84°F, while North Dakota averages 82°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
-
In winter, Montana drops only to 12°F, milder than 0°F in North Dakota.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
In Montana, you’ll experience about 15 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 19 inches you’re used to in North Dakota.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
-
Each year, Montana gets about 49 inches of snow, far more than the 39 inches you might be accustomed to in North Dakota.
That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
-
Montana and North Dakota share similar crime rates (22.74).
However, crime can vary greatly between different cities and neighborhoods within each state, so be sure to look into local crime data for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Montana
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Montana to North Dakota:
| Pros of living in North Dakota |
Pros of living in Montana |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Unmatched natural beauty |
| Peaceful rural life |
Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
| Affordable living costs |
Ample economic opportunity |
| High-quality education opportunities |
Delicious unique cuisine |
| Open rural spaces |
No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Montana
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from North Dakota to Montana:
| Cons of living in North Dakota |
Cons of living in Montana |
| Long and cold winters |
Dangerous wildlife |
| Lack of diversity |
Remote lifestyle |
| Housing shortages |
Touristy |
| Small populations |
Lacking in urban amenities |
| Relaxed lifestyle |
Challenging weather |
Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Montana move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
-
State licensing:
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Montana moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Montana, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
-
Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Montana
Get excited to explore Montana. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to Montana?
Do movers transport your car from North Dakota to Montana?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
North Dakota to
Montana
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from North Dakota to Montana?
Many people are making the move from North Dakota to Montana to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Montana has to offer, like unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.
Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Montana?
Living in North Dakota usually costs less than in Montana.
Housing
is much more affordable in North Dakota,
with average rent about 6% less and home prices 43% lower than in Montana.
Taxes are also
lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Montana residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?
Planning to move to Montana? A single adult should aim for an income of around $62,210 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,225 for an individual, or $5,468 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Billings and Missoula usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in North Dakota?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in North Dakota:
1 provide military discounts;
1 have senior-discount programs;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
North Dakota moving services
Popular North Dakota routes
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When relocating from North Dakota to Montana, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,345 to
$5,932, roughly
$1,688 for a container move, and close to
$647
for a rental truck.
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