Portland, OR to Missoula, MT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Missoula typically costs $2,500–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 547 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Missoula
Moving from Portland, OR to Missoula, MT typically costs $2,500–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 547-mile move from Portland to Missoula, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,531 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Missoula
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Missoula may only cost $1,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,100.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Missoula, MT to Portland, OR guide.
Best Portland to Missoula movers by type
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Best professional movers from Portland to Missoula
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Portland to Missoula. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best OR→MT movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Oregon moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Missoula
Many movers find Missoula easier on the wallet than Portland - roughly 22% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,011 for one person in Missoula versus $2,572 in Portland. For a family of four, it's $5,832 compared with $6,077.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $2,983 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $544,475 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $59,180 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $2,011 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $5,832 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 4.4% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 6.75% |
- Rent is about 14% less expensive in Missoula than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Missoula and Portland, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there's a change in your housing needs.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 31% less in Missoula than in Portland.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Missoula. The cost of living for a single person there is 22% below that of Portland.
- The cost of living for a family between Missoula and Portland remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Missoula has a lower unemployment rate than Portland by about 36%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Neither Portland nor Missoula has a sales tax, so your purchases won’t be subject to additional state tax in either location.
- Income taxes are 32% less in Montana compared to Oregon, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Missoula:
| Living Expense | Portland | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $132.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $2.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $63.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Missoula.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Missoula.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Missoula.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Missoula.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Missoula.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Missoula.
How life is different in Portland vs. Missoula
| Portland | Missoula | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 77,757 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 60 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 33.27 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 66.73 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Missoula's population is about 88% less than Portland.
- Missoula's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Portland's score of 8.
- Missoula is less walkable than Portland with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
- Missoula has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
- Missoula's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 33.27 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Missoula is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 66.73 vs Portland's 42.63.
- Air quality in Missoula is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Missoula move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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: To confirm a moving company's license in Montana, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Montana, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Missoula. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
With your sights set on The Garden City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Heart Of Missoula
- Lewis And Clark
- Farviews And Pattee
- Canyon River
- Front Lower
- Rattlesnake
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lewis And Clark
- Rose Park
- Miller Creek
- Riverfront Lower
- Rattlesnake
Things to do in Missoula
With your move to Montana complete, you can dive right into experiencing Missoula. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- 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 city's Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Caras Park, and Blue Mountain Recreational Area — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Montana Grizzlies (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Missoula?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Missoula. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Missoula?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Missoula? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Portland to Missoula take?
The 547-mile move from Portland, OR, to Missoula, MT, takes one to six days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Missoula.
What kinds of discounts do Portland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 16 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 10 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 28 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
