Factors that influence moving costs from Albany to Missoulatoggle

The cost of Albany movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Albany to Missoula might cost as little as $1,323, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,380.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Albany, 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 $1,567 to $3,995. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Albany to Missoula

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

Albany Missoula
Average rent cost $1,450 $1,322
Average home value $281,584 $544,475
Average income (per capita) $66,546 $59,180
Cost of living (single person) $1,801 $2,011
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,205 $5,832
Unemployment rate 7.1% 4.4%
Sales tax 8.0% 0.0%
State income tax 10.9% 6.75%
  • Rent prices in Missoula are 9% lower than in Albany, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Albany.
    Home prices in Missoula are 93.4% higher than in Albany.
  • Income in Missoula is 11.1% lower than in Albany, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 11.7% higher than in Albany. 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 38.7% higher than in Albany.
  • The unemployment rate in Missoula is 38.03% lower than in Albany.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Missoula, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Albany.
  • One perk of moving to Missoula is paying less in state income taxes, which are 38.07% lower than in Albany.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,349.81 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.

How life is different in Albany vs. Missoula

Missoula Albany
Population 77,757 99,224
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 45 65
Bike friendliness score 60 55
Crime Index 33.27 10.0
Safety Index 66.73 49.65
Air Quality Good Good
  • Missoula's population is about 22% less than Albany.
  • Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Albany's higher score of 8.
  • Missoula is less walkable than Albany with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Albany's 65 out of 100.
  • With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Albany, which has a score of 55 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 Albany with a score of 33.27 compared to Albany's 10.0. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0%.
  • Missoula is considered to be safer than Albany with a safety index of 66.73 vs Albany's 49.65.
  • Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Albany it's good.

Other things to consider for your Albany 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
  • Farviews And Pattee
  • 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 Albany to Missoula?

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

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Albany 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 Albany to Missoula take?

The 2,383-mile journey from Albany, NY to Missoula, MT typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Albany 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