($1,416) Movers From Charleston, SC to Missoula, MT

What to know before moving from Charleston to Missoula

Moving from Charleston to Missoula means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Missoula, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charleston compares to Missoula so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Missoula are 47% lower than in Charleston, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Missoula.
  Home prices in Missoula are 2.6% lower than in Charleston.
• Income in Missoula is 5.0% lower than in Charleston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Missoula include Walmart AT&T, Target, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.
• The cost of living for a single person in Missoula is 62.1% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Missoula is 26.1% lower than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Missoula is 10.00% higher than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Missoula, since the city’s sales taxes in Missoula are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Missoula is paying less in state income taxes, which are 3.57% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,138.30 in Missoula to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Missoula

• Missoula's population is about 48% less than Charleston.
• Missoula's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
• Missoula is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
• With a score of 60 out of 100, Missoula is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Missoula's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 33.27 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Missoula is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 66.73 vs Charleston's 55.03.
• Air quality in Missoula is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Montana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Missoula without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Missoula

With your sights set on "Garden City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Missoula.

Helpful moving resources