Factors that influence moving costs from Fargo to Missoulatoggle

The cost of Fargo movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Fargo to Missoula might cost as little as $1,763, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,940.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Fargo, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $790 to $1,902. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Fargo to Missoula

Moving from Fargo to Missoula comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Missoula is generally more expensive than Fargo, itโ€™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:

Fargo Missoula
Average rent cost $1,055 $1,322
Average home value $287,548 $544,475
Average income (per capita) $59,493 $59,180
Cost of living (single person) $1,566 $2,011
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,299 $5,832
Unemployment rate 3.6% 4.4%
Sales tax 7.5% 0.0%
State income tax 2.9% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Missoula are 25% higher than in Fargo, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Fargo.
    Home prices in Missoula are 89.4% higher than in Fargo.
  • Income is the same in Missoula and Fargo. The top employers in Missoula include Walmart AT&T, Target, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Missoula, since the cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 28.4% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Missoula, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 76.8% higher than in Fargo.
  • The unemployment rate in Missoula is 22.22% higher than in Fargo.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Missoula, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Fargo.
  • State income taxes in Missoula are 132.76% higher than in Fargo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,852.49 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fargo.

How life is different in Fargo vs. Missoula

Missoula Fargo
Population 77,757 125,990
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 45 45
Bike friendliness score 60 49
Crime Index 33.27 8.0
Safety Index 66.73 56.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • Missoula's population is about 38% less than Fargo.
  • Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Fargo's lower score of 4.
  • Missoula and Fargo are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Fargo, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Missoula's crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 33.27 compared to Fargo's 8.0. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
  • Missoula is considered to be safer than Fargo with a safety index of 66.73 vs Fargo's 56.17.
  • Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Fargo it's good.

Other things to consider for your Fargo vs. Missoula move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Missoula, these are the best months to plan to move while you might hold off moving between December and January as these are the least comfortable months in Missoula.
  • 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 regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Montana, though it\โ€™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 toMissoula Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Missoula

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Garden City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Missoula to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Heart Of Missoula
  • Lewis And Clark
  • Canyon River
  • Front Lower
  • Rattlesnake

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Lewis And Clark
  • Rose Park
  • Miller Creek
  • Riverfront Lower
  • Rattlesnake

Things to do in Missoula

After settling into your new Montana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Missoula has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Missoula is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Missoula Museum, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Natural History Center, and Museum of Mountain Flying.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Fargo to Missoula?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fargo to Missoula. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fargo.

When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Missoula?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Fargo to Missoula, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Fargo to Missoula take?

The 951-mile journey from Fargo, ND to Missoula, MT typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Fargo offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Missoula.

Helpful moving resources